Strike begins at Finning

Finning and the union say the strike by members of the International
Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Local 692 began at 4
p.m. PDT.

The workers include mechanics, parts department staff and support
personnel who repair heavy equipment for the mining, forestry, and
construction industries.

The company said equipment and parts sales will continue, but shop and
field services will be unavailable. It said it has a contingency plan to
minimize the impact on customers.

Unionized workers at Finning's operations in Alberta and the Northwest
Territories operate under a separate collective agreement and are not on
strike.

Finning said it has applied for mediation and that the union has declined.

The union said the dispute is over wages, benefits, shifts, and sub-contracting.

Vancouver-based Finning is the world's largest Caterpillar dealer, and
sells, rents and services equipment and engines. It has operations in
Canada, South America and Europe.

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