Canwest Global Communications has cleared another hurdle to a conditional sale of CHCH in Hamilton.

Unionized employees at the E!-branded station approved a one-year collective agreement with new owner Channel Zero, with CEP Local 100 filing a complaint with authorities over Canwest Global’s plans to wind up the current pension plan. Channel Zero will introduce a new benefits package for around 120 CHCH employees who are to launch an all-news and local programming format at the Hamilton station.

‘We think Channel Zero’s commitment to local news and local programming is the right strategy and we trust this transaction will benefit employees, the company and the community,’ Bob Huget, CEP’s Ontario VP, said in a statement.

Canwest Global in June unveiled a deal to sell CHCH and CJNT in Montreal to Channel Zero. The CRTC will take up the change of ownership application on Aug. 24. Pending regulatory approval, Canwest and Channel Zero have until Nov. 10 to close the deal.