Inco Ltd. has issued a news release shortly after 2 pm today (Monday) announcing the company and United Steelworkers Locals 6500 and 6200 reached a tentative collective bargaining agreement at 1 pm for Inco’s Sudbury and Port Colborne operations.

The bargaining committee for Locals 6500 and 6200 is unanimously recommending acceptance of the proposed new three-year agreement, the release says,

Mark Cutifani, Inco’s president of North America/Europe, in the release says the company’s offer includes improvements to wages, benefits and pensions and provides the basis for continuing the business improvement and growth strategy in Ontario.

“We believe the tentative agreement is a fair and reasonable one,” says Cutifani. “Our employees are the key to our success. Looking forward, our strategy is to continue working in partnership with all employees to grow the business in Ontario and generate positive returns in all price cycles.”

The union has scheduled information sessions for members for Tuesday, with a vote on the deal taking place Wednesday, May 31.

Details of the tentative agreement will not be made public until the union has an opportunity to present the tentative agreement to its membership.