Steelworkers poised to strike at Pilkington Glass of Canada Limited

    COLLINGWOOD, ON, March 29 /CNW/ - Members of the United Steelworkers'
Local 252G at Pilkington Glass of Canada Limited voted by 91 per cent to
reject a one year extension on the current collective agreement. The 434
members at the plant could be on strike as of midnight, April 2, 2004.
    The main issue in dispute is the company's proposal to introduce a    
two-tier wage structure.
    "We have advised the company that under no circumstances will we accept a
two-tier wage system that undervalues the work of our members," said
Steelworkers' Staff Representative John Chamelot. "The company has also
rejected all of our proposals for basic contract improvements."
    "Pilkington can do the right thing for its employees and this community,"
said Steelworkers' Ontario/Atlantic Director Wayne Fraser. "It's not too late
for us to reach a peaceful negotiated settlement with the company, but if a
work stoppage occurs, we will stand by our members until they get a fair
contract."
    Employees at Pilkington manufacture windshields for the auto industry,
including customers like General Motors, Ford and Mercedes Benz.
    The United Steelworkers represents 180,000 men and women working in every
sector of Canada's economy.

For further information: CONTACT: Wayne Fraser, (416) 243-8792;          
John Chamelot, (705) 326-6681