This time it’s not Rio Tinto but Resolute Forest Products (PFR) that triggered a lockout in Alma on Tuesday night.
The illuminated sign at the entrance to the plant, showing the 35-degree weather forecast, was a reluctant testament to the heating up between the company and its 315 workers at the Alma plant.
The company declared a lockout late Tuesday afternoon after a third lengthy break for union members in three weeks. She makes it a security issue. PFR also criticized the union executive for failing to present workers with its latest June 19 offer, which it said was competitive. The union’s defense is that this proposal is clearly insufficient and does not correspond to the mandate given by the assembly.
Garda agents blocked all access to the factory. Every trucker who showed up had to turn back. Nobody could unload or reload the trucks.
“They told me there was a lockout and that PFR would be in touch with the company,” Transport Robert trucker Jean Longchamps said moments after speaking to a Garda agent.
“I came here yesterday and nobody told me anything,” he added.
This lockout occurs after 14 negotiation sessions, the last five of which were in the presence of the arbitrator. On Tuesday, the union filed two complaints with the Administrative Labor Court, one alleging bad faith negotiations and another alleging interference in union affairs.
On Wednesday afternoon, PFR addressed the Supreme Court. The company wants maintenance staff to be used as an essential service. The union opposed this as they saw no risk to safety.
A lockout is a concern for the Alma community. In 2012, the Rio Tinto dispute lasted just over six months.
“It has a social impact, an economic impact,” said Mayor Sylvie Beaumont, who was a local councilor at the time. Of course, what we want is a quick agreement and for the two parties to sit down and discuss.
Alma Aluminum Smelter Union current President Sylvain Maltais came to show solidarity at the picket line. He reserves his comments for later.
The union agrees to resume negotiations.