LPB 4 - PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, September 26, 2000 \ "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" Strike averted; CAW okays deal with Mother Jackson's By Chris Hall Port Perry Star Mother Jackson's Open Kitchens and the union representing its employees have come to a contract agreement, sign- ing a three-year deal last week. The contract marks the first-ever collec- tive agreement between the local busi- ness and members of the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) union Local 370. The pact was tentatively agreed to on Sept. 14, and ratified by the more than 150 union members on Sept. 17. Membership voted more than 92 per cent in favour of the contract. Highlights of the new agreement include a considerable wage increase for all employees; equal pay foy full- and part- time employees; adjustment of seniority dates; improvements to benefits pack- ages; implementation of skilled trades language; and parity of skilled trades wages. Employees at the Old Simcoe Rd. facto- ry, which manufactures various pastry - wyroducts and baked goods, are more than happy with the deal, says union chairman Peter Hagemann. "It's a big breakthrough for us. We're very pleased with it and we've had a fan- tastic reaction from our members. The majority are very happy," said Mr. Hagemann, who has been employed at Mother Jackson's as an electrician for almost two years. "It's a huge improvement from what we used to have," said Mr. Hagemann. "We're especially pleased with the improvements to our benefits, seniority and wages. We've had no wage increase there for seven years, so people are ecstatic." Under the new agreement, union mem- bers will get a 3 per cent pay hike each year; skilled trades workers will receive a 3.5 per cent increase per annum. That works out to just under $14 per hour at the bottom of the pay scale, and more than $21 at the top. Contract talks began in June, and lasted almost three months. When negotiations stalled in September, union members voted 87 per cent in favour of strike action. If no agreement had been reached by midnight on Sept. 23, union members were prepared to strike, said Mr. Hagemann. "There were plenty of discussions held, and dealing with (Mother Jackson's offi- cials in agreement talks) has been histori- cally difficult," he said. "But, it's a good deal for everyone involved. | can honestly say they bar- gained in good faith; it was a battle, but nothing comes easy. We're all very happy." When reached by The Star, Mother Jackson's president Dave Jackson called the contract a fair deal. "The company feels it's an equitable deal for both sides. We look forward to dealing with the CAW in the future in the hopes of reaching prosperous deals for both parties." He chose not to comment any further on the specifics of the collective agree- ment. / A RETIREMENT DINNER for former Scugog roads department boss Ronn Macdonald (left) was held last week in Nestleton. Many of the people with whom Mr. Macdonald had contact with during his years with the township came out to pay tribute; he retired earlier this year. Here, he's congratulat- ed by another long-time roads employee, Merlyn Suggitt. a eleo gn REET By Chris Hall Port Perry Star They'll be racing in the streets of Greenbank this weekend, when the first-ever Indy is held to help raise funds to replace local playground equipment. Beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday (Sept. 30), racers of all ages will take a run down lanson Dr. as part of the inau- gural Greenbank Indy soapbox derby. It's hoped that the event will raise funds for playground equipment at two area parks in Greenbank. Equipment at both parks has been deemed unsafe for use by the public. Those interested in participating may begin registration at 9:30 a.m. the day of the event. There will be no pre- registration. There will be three classes: junior, senior, and an open class for all ages and derby cars. There will be a registra- tion fee of $10 for each participant. Registration is limited to the first 100 participants. "The equipment at the parks is unsafe for our kids. The community of Greenbank is rallying together and try- ing to raise enough money to replace the equipment," said Mike Pelletier, an CHRIS HALL/PORT PERRY STAR Greenbank is gearing up for its first-ever Indy this weekend, an event that will see competitors create their own soap box derby cars and race down lanson Dr. to raise money for playground equipment. Here are Laura Pelletier, and dad Mike, getting set. Racers rev up for first ever Greenbank Indy lanson Dr. resident who's helping to organize the fundraiser. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, the Greenbank Parks Playground Fund group will host a Fun Fair at lanson Park. It will feature plenty of games, food, treats, and pony rides. A barbe- cue will also be held in the afternoon. Each derby car must have a solid floor, front bumper, and a hood designed to protect the driver's legs. The car may have a maximum length of 72-inches; may not be wider than 36- inches or exceed the minimum width of 28-inches; and have a minimum wheel base of 48-inches. All cars must have a tight steering system and a braking system capable of holding the car on an incline. All drivers must wear a helmet and no car will be allowed to race until it has passed inspection. The three classes will be broken down into racers aged 6-11, 12-and-up and an open-wheel class division. For more rules and information on the Greenbank Indy soapbox derby please call Mike Pelletier at 985-3745. To volunteer your help at the fundrais- er, please call Daphne at 985-7464. Engineer's report has councillors hopeful of agreement with Starlite By John B. McClelland Port Perry Star Scugog Township's planning consultant and the lawyer working for the Starlite Restaurant appear to be making progress toward hammering out an agreement on music that can be played at the establish- ment. In a report to council dated Sept. 11, planning consultant Jim Dyment accepts LLORAS th FERRER RIAA SENG the wording suggested in August by lawyer Hart Nemoy on how to control music. The planner said the wording should be incor- porated into an agreement between the owners o: the Starlite and the municipality. Essentially, there are three parts to the new wording suggested by Mr. Nemoy: 0 the use of any sound system for back- ground music only. 0 the requirement for a report from a qualified sound engineer outlining modifi- cations to the, building to eliminate noise aati ha Re RE oN + trespass. a the completion of works recommend- ed by the engineer or architect prior to per- mitting a DJ. or live music to be played at the restaurant. The noise levels from music at the Starlite have been a major stumbling block in efforts to strike an agreement between Scugog and the restaurant owners. Residents living in Apple Valley immedi- ately to the south of the restaurant are Rn i i eh AA Ce et me sr re Se ee tn asd adamant that any agreement contain iron- clad measures to prevent music sounds car- rying to their homes. There has been no live music at the restaurant for more than a year. If the owners decide to use a DJ or live band, they will first have to meet require- ments to bock this music such as triple glazed windows and other accoustical barri- ers.