"The company expected a big majority 'yes' vote," local president James Vacheff told the Militant. "They were preparing to meet with us to work out a back-to-work protocol."

Vacheff was on a spirited picket line two days after the contract rejection. Pickets said that the company had offered a slightly higher wage increase to divide the workers, but had extended the contract from three to four years. "I'm proud of the members," said Vacheff, who is a 17-year employee and relief machine person. "They are sticking together, though some are hurting."

Vacheff reported that unions like the Canadian Auto Workers and the United Food and Commercial Workers Union had donated money to the strike. Solidarity has also come from striking Petrocan refinery workers in the area, as well as the machinists in the bakery itself.

"We don't cross their picket line," said Saro Tahirovic, a member of the machinists union at Christies. "We meet each week and decide what to do," he said. There are about 70 of us. We always vote not to cross the picket line." He reported they are receiving financial support from their union because they won't cross the line and cannot get Employment Insurance from the government.

Contract negotiations are under way in the United States between the union and the Nabisco chain which owns Christies. In Montreal, Christie workers, who before their summer two-week shutdown refused to do overtime in solidarity, will also be in contract negotiations with the company.

John Steele is a meat packer and member of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union.  
 
 
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