The 47 inside and outside workers with the Town of Rivière-Rouge, QC have been without a collective agreement since January 1, 2024. Despite seven bargaining sessions, both sides are at an impasse on monetary issues.

“Members with the Town of Rivière-Rouge are seeking working conditions competitive with what is being offered in the Laurentian Region. More than 15% have left their jobs in recent months, and it’s very difficult to recruit new employees because wages are seen as unsatisfactory,” said CUPE representative Stéphane Paré.

Òn October 2, members with CUPE 2867 unanimously voted in favour of a mandate giving their union the green light to resort to pressure tactics up to and including strike action at a time deemed opportune.

The next rounds of negotiations have been scheduled for October 15 and 16. The union bargaining committee will be expecting to receive town council’s new position.