Brault & Martineau lockout ends as workers accept deal

The labour dispute has ended at Quebec furniture giant Brault & Martineau.

A strong majority of 80 per cent of members accepted the position put forward by conciliators Saturday morning.

Warehouse employees were locked out Feb. 28.

The main sticking point was proposed changes to the pension plan.While the changes would only affect new hires, the workers had voted against the proposal.

Workers gave in to the furniture store’s demands after the distribution centre threatened to close if they didn’t accept the proposals.

“Despite their determination to maintain fair working conditions, members had no real choice,” said Unifor national representative Olivier Carriere, in a statement.

The Brault and Martineau distribution centre in Montreal employs over 200 union members.

The new contract does, however, include wage increases for workers.