The owner of Buhler Versatile Inc., a Manitoba tractor production facility, has been ordered to provide back-pay to 250 employees since November 3, 2000, the day a strike by the CAW members began.

The Manitoba Labour Board ruled that the strike was precipitated by the employer’s failure to bargain in good faith and has ordered total back-pay of approximately $6 million as well as reinstating the collective agreement and ordering the parties to commence collective bargaining.

The Board has also ordered the employer to compensate the union for its strike expenditures such as the continuation of benefit premiums totally $170,000.

CAW president Buzz Hargrove said it has been a long struggle for workers and their families and indicated the union will continue to strive to reach a collective agreement.

CAW Winnipeg area director Dale Paterson said he is ready to return immediately to the bargaining table adding that the employer has been notified of the union's intent to return.

The company has indicated it is considering an appeal of the MLB decision.