STRIKE. The labor dispute that paralyzes the activities of the Exceldor slaughterhouse in Saint-Anselme is now over.
After a general assembly held on Saturday, June 26, union members voted 66 percent in favor of the draft regulation submitted earlier this week by the special mediator appointed by the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Solidarity ( MTESS).
The new employment contract will be for a period of six years, retroactive to 1is August 2020.
It should be noted that nearly 80% of the approximately 550 employees took part in the vote, which was held both face-to-face and virtual.
In a press release issued earlier this afternoon, union officials stressed that as soon as this agreement was signed, the employer undertook to raise awareness among its foremen in order to ensure more equitable management of discipline and avoid some mistakes of the past.
It also mentions that the union and the employer have agreed to work together with the MTESS to establish better working relations and to see to the improvement of the working conditions of the employees in the coming years.
In terms of monetary gains, union members obtain wage increases of 19.75% over six years: 8% retroactive to the 1is August 2020 ($ 22.37), 6.5% at signature in 2021 ($ 23.85), 0.75% in February and August 2022 ($ 24.03 and $ 24.21), 0.5% in February and August 2023, ($ 24.33 and $ 24.45) and 2024 ($ 24.57 and $ 24.69), 0.88% in February and August 2025 ($ 24.91 and $ 25.13 ). It is added that if the consumer price index is higher than the increases planned in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, the annual increase will be the CPI for a maximum of 2%.
The addition to the group insurance contract of an exemption clause from the insurance premium during a work stoppage due to illness or accident is also planned, as is an amount of $ 10,000 paid into an RRSP of an employee aged 60 and having acquired the equivalent of factor 95 (age + year of service).
In addition, for each of the complete years worked following the acquisition of factor 95, the employer will pay an additional amount of $ 1,000 into the employee’s RRSP.
Spokeswoman for the United Food and Commercial Workers union (TUAC 1991P), Roxanne Larouche mentioned that maintenance and sanitation employees should be recalled during the weekend in order to prepare for the resumption of activities. slaughter which will be carried out gradually starting Monday, June 28.
Positive feedback from employer
In a statement issued a few minutes after the vote on Saturday, the leaders of the Exceldor cooperative were also delighted with the positive outcome of this vote, adding that it will make it possible to end food waste and ensure supply. steps.
In the same press release, it was added that the employers’ party had already taken sides with this proposal, even though the terms of the new collective agreement will have the effect of redefining the poultry market in Quebec.
Exceldor’s executives have said they want operations at its Saint-Anselme plant to resume as quickly as possible.
“Now that the labor dispute is over, the cooperative wishes to assure the union side of its full collaboration in order to promote a harmonious return to work,” said spokesperson Gabrielle Fallu, who adds that once activities have been relaunched, several days will be needed before the Saint-Anselme plant reaches full production capacity.
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