Unifor members at Canadoil Forge go on strike

Bécancour, August 7th, 2024 - Members of Unifor Local 700 working at Canadoil Forge Ltd in Bécancour went on strike on the morning of July 29. This decision was taken following unsuccessful negotiations with the employer on several crucial issues.

Canadoil Forge workers are demanding a fair wage increase and a wage catch-up in line with industry standards in the region. They are also demanding that their gains be protected in the face of the employer's demands for major concessions. These concessions concern overtime, vacation and leave ratios, and the refusal to formalize the current evening shift work schedule (four days of ten hours from Monday to Thursday). The employer's demands are deemed unacceptable by the members of Local 700, who refuse to give in on these essential points.

"The employer obviously didn't want an out-of-court settlement, because the offers they made to us don't represent what's being negotiated in the region. Even more so as the members strongly affirmed that they would not accept any concessions at this level," declared Jonathan Blais, national representative.

Members are firm in their position and determined to defend their gains.

"Members are mobilized behind the bargaining committee, and we have no intention of disappointing them," added Mr. Blais.

No bargaining dates are scheduled at this time.