Although a multi-million dollar deal has been reached to compensate former Nortel workers, the fight to reform federal pension rules is not over.
Nortel has reached a $100-million deal to compensate laid-off workers, pensioners and employees who were on long-term disability. The deal will extend pension and health benefits until the end of the year.
The Ontario government will also take over the company's pension plan, and workers who were laid off will get up to $3,000.
Those involved in the negotiations say it was the best deal possible. Pensioners say Nortel will pay out $57 million. The company says it will cost $100 million.
About 250 people showed up to discuss the deal at a town hall meeting in Ottawa Tuesday afternoon.
While the majority said they were happy with the outcome, they said they also remain committed to changing federal laws governing bankruptcy.
NDP MPs in attendance promised to continue the push for a private member's bill that could help employees of companies in bankruptcy protection by giving them priority over other creditors.
Pensioners say the bill will make it easier to recover money that's owed to them, which is what they've been fighting for all along.
