Labour relations have bogged down in Rouyn-Noranda in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region. White-collar workers in the region voted 94% in favour of a strike mandate following another strike vote of blue-collar workers that occurred a few weeks ago.
The white-collar workers’ last collective agreement expired on December 31, 2021. Talks between the parties began in May 2022.
The proposed wage hikes that were less than the inflation rate and deemed insufficient by members, wage catch-up and the inclusion of aquatic personnel in the white-collar workers’ union certification are stumbling blocks during negotiations.
“The town is treating employees like second-rate staff. They will not have the same benefits as the other white-collar workers. We think this is unacceptable,” says CUPE representative Geneviève Carrier.