Union ratifies contract with Volvo; workers to return March 24

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.roanoke.com/news/breaking/wb/154760

By Angela Manese-Lee & Jessica Marcy

Members of United Auto Workers Local 2069 voted Saturday to ratify a new three-year contract with Volvo Trucks North America, ending a strike of more than six weeks and paving the way for employees to return to work

The contract was approved by 90 percent, according to the local union’s President Lester Hancock. He was not sure how many people voted, but did say there was a large turnout.

"I’m just satisfied with the new contract," Hancock said. He described how the contract’s health and safety language had been fixed.

Employees will return to work at the Dublin plant on March 24, Hancock said.

"We just have a lot of wounds that we need to heal," he said. "It’s been a real long day," he added.

Contract negotiations between Volvo and the union first began in early January, but stalled Feb. 1 when UAW Local 2069 decided to strike.

FULL story at link.