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Arnprior Chronicle-Guide Proudly serving the community
March 21, 2013 | 52 pages
www.YourOttawaRegion.com
Inside Long-term agreement NEWS
Six-year deal brings measure of stability to Arnprior Aerospace and its employees JOHN CARTER John.carter@metroland.com
A local student had the chance to meet some VIPs. – Page 4
SPORTS
Chanelle Fortin has qualified for the snowboard cross Nationals in B.C. – Page 30
NEWS
EMC news – It was a marked difference at Arnprior Aerospace from the atmosphere two years ago. The company and members of the International Association of Machinists (IAM), Local 1542, have ratified a new six-year agreement that bodes well for one of Arnprior’s largest employers. Two years ago, the 400 workers were pessimistic about their future as the company demanded major concessions. Only a last-minute two-year deal grudgingly accepted by both sides prevented a strike that would have put a major damper on the local economy. This time talks appeared to be more cordial, thanks in part to a modified mediation process with the help of a government dispute resolution expert. Local IAM president Murray Quattrocchi reported that the agreement was reached late on March 7 and went to the membership at a 4 p.m. meeting on March 8. By the time evening rolled around the members were celebrating a long-term agreement. The office and technical component of the union voted 100 per cent in favour
of the six-year deal, while the production and maintenance workers were about 95 per cent supportive. While the workers agreed to have their wages frozen for the first four years of the deal, their benefits and pension plan will be maintained, Quattrocchi said. He said that is important because in a survey the union did in December, there was a strong message from workers to the union to “save our pensions and keep the benefits the same.” Fortunately, the company agreed, he added. The workers will get 1.5 per cent wage increases in the fifth year and two per cent in the sixth, he noted. Helping ease the sting of no wage increases early in the contract will be annual cash allotments of about $500 per worker, he added. Quattrocchi explained that the workers realize that costs needed to be kept in line if the company is to be successful in its bidding for jobs in a highly competitive industry going through some tough economic times. “It’s no good for any of us if the company doesn’t survive,” he said. “Now we’ve shown the customers we’re going to be here to help them.” See ‘COMPROMISE,’ Page 3
LUCY HASS/METROLAND
Greenest day of the year Olivia Rancourt wishes revellers a Happy St. Patrick’s celebration at the Legion Saturday. The Legion hosted the Debbie McWatty-Reid’s fiddle, folk and dance show. For more, see Page 14.
Town Square project to be unveiled at open house Patricia Leboeuf pleboeuf@metroland.com
A local businessman has branched out with a nutrition and wellness centre. – Page 33
EMC news - Curious Arnprior residents will be granted a sneak peak at the plan for the Arnprior Town Square during a special open house on Tuesday,
March 26. The event will be held at the Arnprior Public Library from 6 to 7 p.m., following unveiling of the sign on site that will show progress made in raising funds for the Town Square. The Town Square project will up-
Don’t miss the Swiss
grade the area between the library and the river along Madawaska Street. It will play an integral part in linking the downtown to the trail along the Madawaska River and Robert Simpson Park.
EMC news - The Swiss national women’s hockey team arrives in Arnprior next Tuesday, March 26 for three days of practices followed by a game Saturday against the Russian national team.
See TOWN SQUARE, Page 5
See SWISS, Page 6
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