Strike My expectation is the strike will be resolved in short order for a few reasons.
1) The strike is limited to just two distinct time periods of unknown duration within an 11 year time frame. The time periods are known and appear to not be in dispute which helps.
2) Workers remained at work and receiving pay while the issue was outstanding indicating that it was not substantial enough to warrant a strike at the time and it was only that it dragged on that finally forced workers to strike. If it is not substantial then the stakes are not so high that it cannot be resolved.
3) The current labour agreement is not at issue. Negotiating a labour agreement entails dealing with multiple issues which complicates things and takes longer to resolve. Since the dispute is limited to just one issue it makes it easier.
4) The news release says managment expects to resolve the issue in an efficient and orderly manner.
5) The issue appears to revolve around a misunderstanding. Management maintains the payment is not part of a labour agreement. The union would be claiming othewise. Since the dispute hinges on whether or not it is included in a labour agreement there is information and facts available each side can refer to to reach a settlement.
6) It is in the interest of both workers and the company to settle as quickly as possible to limit losses especially if the issue is not substantial enough to warrant a prolonged strike.