Wednesday, June 7, 2023 1:15 pm
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TROIS-RIVIERES, QUE. (News release) - Unifor members working for Kruger Wayagamac Inc. paper mill went on strike beginning June 1, at 12 p.m.
Unifor began negotiations with the employer on May 23 over a 10-day period, but union rejected the company's latest offer.
The workers are demanding better working conditions, particularly improved wages.
"We have reached the salary negotiation phase, and the employer is failing to meet our demands and priorities," said Joël Vigeant, Unifor National Representative and Forestry Coordinator for the union.
"The collective agreement expired at the end of April 2023, and after unanimously voting in favor of the strike, we have decided to implement the mandates entrusted to us."
Vigeant said the union remains open to negotiations as long as the company is ready to address the issues surrounding wage and working conditions.
Approximately 250 workers, represented by local sections 222Q (papermakers) and 216 (production and electrical mechanical maintenance), are affected by this strike.