PAGE- 6,W7ESA7SETMER2-=7,WIIB R RS North Ainerican Steel strike into second wýeek...., 'Workers p repared to stay onlie By MICHAEL KNELL Free Press Staff The 32 employees of Whitby's North American Steel Equip- ment Company Ltd. are prepared to stay on the picket line for as long as it takes. The workers, mem- bers of the United Steel-, workers of America Local 662, went on strike on August 21 to back MLI contract demands. A meeting had been set for 6 p.m. last night, however, the results of that meeting were not known at press time. "I'm hoping it will corne off," was the comment of union spokesman Gil Warehamn who said that a meeting had been scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday night but was cancelled at the request of the company. While Wareham said that the union's position had not changed since the strike began, however, it could be modified on.ce the two sides reach the bargain- ing table. "We're prepared to negotiate," Wareham said adding the union will re-consider iLs posi- Pop People Pop BROWN'SF0 DASTE R CASE 0F 12-30 oz BOUTLES $499 & dep. CASE 0F 24-10 oz. BOUTLES $4.49 & dep. ASSORTED FLAVORS BROOKLIN 655-4521 8:30 arn to 6 pm Except Thurs. & Fi. Nights til 9 pm it's not work tb wolk. So why not wolk to work? tion once the company has made its known. The union is seeking better wages, an im- proved cost of living clause and a full paid dental plan. Wareham added that there are two "language" disputes in t.he negotiations. One involves the hiring of students. The union maintains that the co.mpany is using cheaper student labor at times other than during the summer. The workers earn an average of $8.50 an hour and sources say that the students receive haîf as much. Another of the language disputes is the use of management per- sonnel in the plant. Wareham said that the company is using these non-union people to do work that is usually done by mem- bers of the bargaining unit. The union spokesman is also skeptical about the company 's latest wage offer. That offer provided for an increase of about 18.7 per cent in the first year of a three year pact. "I can only get about 12 (per cent) out of it,"1 Wareham said accusing the company 0f "in- flating" the cost of the benefit package. A company, official was recently reported to have said that North Amnerican Steel Equip- ment offered a further 16 per cent in the second year and 13 per cent ini the third year of an agreement. Wareham described the mood on the picket line as determined. "They're ( the strikers) anxious to get it settled but they're willing to stay out until they geL a decent agree- ment," he said. Without knowing what would happen at last night's meeting, Ware- ham added that the union is preparing for a long strike. They will instail a trailer near the 300 Hop- kins Street plant and ask for picket line sup- port from other union locals. " -We're going to get prepared to have a long strike, " he said. This strikea has also