Wayne Fraser, the United Steelworkersandapos; Ontario/Atlantic director says talks this week with Inco Ltd. are not full-fledged negotiations, but a discussion to determine whether the company is ready to get back to the bargaining table and end the two-month strike.
Backed by a 95-per-cent rejection of Incoandapos;s last offer, the strike started when the previous contract expired at the end of May, over the companyandapos;s demands for no improvements to early retirement benefits and concessions, which included cutting back on health care benefits to 10,000 Inco retirees and their survivors.
andquot;We are exploring the possibilities,andquot; Fraser said. andquot;Our members remain committed to getting a decent agreement that does not put their own futures in jeopardy.andquot;
Company and union officials are meeting at the Ramada Inn in downtown Sudbury. Provincial mediator Greg Long is also at the hotel.