Angel >> McCollective agreements The McDonald’s in Rawdon is the first on the continent to sign a collective agreement with its workers. The Quebec arbitration tribunal imposed the contract this week when talks between the union and management stalled. Unionized a year ago, workers turned to the tribunal in February, saying they felt McDonald’s Canada was not negotiating in good faith. McDonald’s cannot appeal the decision. The ruling is expected to cover pay scales, seniority, meals, holidays, training, breaks and maternity leave. Other attempts at unionization of McDonald’s workers in Canada resulted in either lockouts or eventual loss of accreditation.

Insect >> Disney Hong Kong The $2-billion (U.S.) theme park slated to open in 2005 is already being called an environmental disaster. An independent study commissioned by the Hong Kong government blamed construction of the park for the death of nearly seven-million fish, as dredged mud was dumped three kilometres away from fish farms. Forty of 70 farms have been forced to close as the mud drifted across them, suffocating the fish. Furthermore, the park will sit in the middle of the prime feeding ground of the remaining 185 Chinese white dolphins.