United Steelworkers members have ratified contracts with the Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) that improve benefits, wages and pensions.

Wayne Fraser, the Steelworkers' Ontario/Atlantic director, announced the 64% ratification by Labrador City Locals 5795 and 6731. "Being on strike for three months is difficult," said Fraser. "But our members were determined to achieve a decent settlement. They showed the company that concessions were absolutely unacceptable. This settlement is a real victory for these 1400 men and women."

Locals 9344, 5795 and 6731 representing hourly employees at IOC and Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway at Labrador City, NL and Sept Iles, went on strike July 19. An earlier offer to settle the strike was rejected by 53%. Results from the Quebec vote were expected to be known later Monday evening.

IOC is part of the transnational resource company, Rio Tinto.

With the recent merger of the former Industrial, Wood and Allied Workers (IWA Canada) the United Steelworkers represents over 250,000 men and women working in every sector of Canada's economy.