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After more than six months being locked out, Unifor Local 184 members at Quebec Silicium are returning to work. A deal settling the lockout was reached just before Christmas, and ratified by 76 per cent just after.
“This agreement would not have been possible without the determination of Local 184’s members and the unwavering support of all Unifor and Metalworkers locals in the Bécancour industrial park. The solidarity shown by Unifor leaders and members across Canada as well as by the unions affiliated with the Quebec Federation of Labour was another major factor,” said Joseph Gargiso, assistant director of Unifor Quebec, and Jean Simoneau, president of Local 184.
Concessions demanded by the employer were withdrawn. The four-year contract includes a wage freeze for the first two years and an increase of 2.75 per cent starting on November 1, 2016, as well as improvements to wage premiums.
A defined benefit pension plan was negotiated, and all employees will be able to take advantage of the QFL’s member-funded pension plan, with the employer contributing 10.5 per cent the first two years and 11.5 per cent thereafter. The company previously operated two pension plans simultaneously – a defined contribution plan and a defined benefit plan.
Lastly, operations will resume gradually, with nearly all unionized employees back to work by the end of January. The 145 members had been locked out since May 3, 2013.
