November 5, 2000

The workers at Transwest Mining Systems, Ft. McMurray will be represented by, Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union Local 707.

A hearing by the Labour Board over a contest by the employer concluded with the ruling that three out of eight contested positions would remain in the Bargaining. As soon as the hearing was over the ballots were counted and 77% of the voters had said yes to the union.

" Now we need to establish an executive and a bargaining committee, so that we can begin the process of negotiating a collective agreement" says Bill Kolba, CEP Alberta Organizer.

"We are pleased to have the workers at Transwest join our union and we will offer any assistance we can in helping them achieve their first collective agreement " says Walter Manning, President CEP local 707.

"I believe that we will be able to negotiate a Collective Agreement with Transwest Mining Systems," says Keith Barrington, CEP National representative,"We have been in the area for a long time and have gained a reputation as a union that is fair to both the workers and the employers."