Negotiations with ABI in Bécancour - United Steelworkers Request a Mediator

Thu. March 19, 2009; Posted: 06:21 PM

BECANCOUR, QC, Mar 19, 2009 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX) -- PMIZF | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- United Steelworkers (FTQ) local section 9700 is requesting the intervention of a mediator and a meeting with a company executive. "We've officially requested of the employer and the Ministère du travail that a mediator be appointed as proof of our good faith and our determination to work and find solutions. We believe that we've made progress in terms of work relations with the employer through the process of mediation and we want to take advantage of the expertise acquired to give us the best chance of being successful. We've also requested a meeting with the president of Alcoa - Primary Metals, Bernt Reintan, as soon as possible to convey our good faith and our concerns. The current situation at ABI in Bécancour requires emergency measures," stated Clément Masse, president of United Steelworkers (FTQ) local section 9700.

In fact, on March 4, the employer unilaterally demanded a 15% cutback in work hours. Since then, and without any type of consultation with the union, it introduced a work outline to all three of its Quebec plants. "Alcoa's current attitude is decidedly different from the efforts and climate of cooperation we had established that includes a joint agreement to cut back work hours. That's why the union informed the employer that it would not work with the work outline it presented, which does not respect the mandate given to the union on behalf of its members regarding work schedules. However, in compliance with the general assembly's wishes, the union is ready to talk and find solutions to survive the economic crisis while still respecting its mandate to renew collective agreements," continued the union's local president.

Of note is that the employer, during video presentations in its plant addressing the demand for reduced work hours, assured that it would respect the processes set forth in the collective agreements. "We believe that the employer disrespected the collective agreements which clearly state that the only negotiating agent is the union," concluded Clément Masse.

The ABI aluminum smelter, located in Bécancour, has been producing aluminum since 1986. It currently employs approximately 1,000 workers. The smelter's workers are getting ready to renew their collective agreement scheduled to expire in November.

SOURCE: UNITED STEELWORKERS (USW)

Clément Masse, United Steelworkers (FTQ), local section 9700, (819) 370-7392

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