With an October strike deadline looming, Falconbridge and unionized workers at its Kidd metallurgical division in Timmins have reached and ratified a three-year deal.

On Sept. 28 the 700 workers of Canadian Auto Workers local 599 voted 89 per cent in favour of a collective agreement that gives its production and maintenance employees a five per cent wage increase over the length of the contract, with a $2,000 signing bonus.

The deal also includes improvements to benefits, better voluntary early retirement plans and seniority rights on any future company downsizings.

About 70 per cent of membership voted during the weekend ratification vote.

The strike deadline was set for Oct. 1 at midnight.