First Ontario Credit Union Strike Coming to an End?

For eight months, 70 COPE Local 343 members employed at First Ontario Credit Union in Hamilton have been on strike over issues of sick pay, benefits and protecting full-time positions.

Recently, seven members have been fired for their role in a staged sit-in at the credit union's office at Upper Sherman and Queensdale streets.

Based on recent events that occured at the credit union's annual general membership meeting, things might be looking up for the striking workers.

"After a raucous demonstration at the credit union's annual meeting Wednesday in Hamilton, the members succeeded in pushing through motions calling on the board to submit the outstanding labour issues to binding arbitration and to "forthwith" rehire seven workers fired last week."

John Lahey, First Ontario's chief executive officer, said the board will meet next week to decide if it is required to act on the member motions -- the act that governs the credit union allows members to elect directors and appoint auditors, but reserves most other actions for the board.

"Clearly the board took a message from that meeting," he said. "Everyone on both sides of this issue wants to see it settled."