Montreal Cintas Workers Become First in Company History to Form a Union

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.foxbusiness.com/article/montreal-cintas-workers-company-history-form-union_473963_1.html

MONTREAL, Feb 11, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Effort to Form a Union Shows Need for Balanced Labor Laws in the United States

After years of enduring harsh working conditions for low pay, Cintas employees in Montreal have become the first in the company's history to successfully form a union. Throughout North America, laundry giant Cintas has fiercely fought workers' ongoing efforts to organize for better jobs. Employees' victory in Montreal, aided by the most balanced labor laws on the continent, illustrates the desire of Cintas workers to form a union, and the importance of having a fair process.

"Our efforts were rewarded: we now have our union," says Gabriel Aszalos, a six-year washroom employee. "Even with the long delay, our strong labor laws ensured that our rights were respected. This is a historical victory for us, and we hope it inspires our coworkers throughout the United States and Canada to stand together for safer jobs and a living wage."

The Quebec Labor Board certified Montreal workers' petition to be represented by the Quebec Council of UNITE HERE late last week. The majority of workers at Cintas's suburban Montreal laundry first petitioned the Board in December 2006.

"For over a year, Cintas delayed workers from having a voice on the job, but we didn't give up," said Lina Aristeo, Director of UNITE HERE's Quebec Council. "Now that the Labor Board has decided in favor of workers' right to form union, we hope that Cintas will follow the law and negotiate in good faith with employees."

FULL story at link.