Forty employees, members of the Beauce Plastic Workers Union (CSN), are holding a demonstration this afternoon in front of the Altrum factory, in Saint-Martin, to denounce the employer’s attitude towards negotiation current for the renewal of their collective agreement.
“ The employer’s salary offers are ridiculous », Says Lisa Busque, president of the union. “He essentially suggests that we be poorer after the signing than before it. How can he think this is acceptable?»
She sees it as a “insult» and a lack of “ respect » the offer of 62 cents per hour increase, which is proposed by the employer side, and which is below inflation. “ The factory is currently operating at full capacity. Clearly, there is no shortage of work. The employer even deals with subcontractors to achieve this. There is no reason for him to continue in this direction», points out Ms. Busque.
The employment contract agreement expired a little over nine months ago. Negotiations began last fall. For the moment, no strike mandate has been adopted by the union
Surprising release
Reached by telephone byEnBeauce.comAltrum’s chief operating officer, Sandy Bougie, said: surprise » of the union’s public exit. “We have only just started salary discussions. We have already settled all the standards”, she confided.
She is also surprised by this union strategy of confrontation, whereas during the last employment contract which has just expired, and which lasted seven years, labor relations were in good shape and no union grievance was filed. .
Today’s demonstration has no impact on the production of this company, which manufactures plaques and trophies, since it takes place during the employees’ lunch hour.
Ms. Bougie is relying on the next conciliation meeting, scheduled for May 7, to resume dialogue.
