The 298 Unifor members from Locals 136, 234, 234 cp, and 265, representing workers at the Kruger Trois-Rivières S.E.C. plant, have gone on strike after rejecting the employer's proposed contract offer.
Unifor officials stated that negotiations regarding monetary terms had reached an impasse, prompting the membership to vote overwhelmingly in favor of strike action. Steeve St-Pierre, Unifor National Representative, expressed the workers' dissatisfaction with the offer and their commitment to securing a fair agreement. He highlighted the regional worker recruitment and retention challenges, emphasizing the need for Kruger to remain competitive in the face of a growing battery industry.
“This strike shows the determination of our members to fight for their rights,” said Joël Vigeant, Unifor forestry sector coordinator for Quebec. He reiterated strong member support and the union's resolve to achieve a fair outcome. Unifor has called upon Kruger to return to negotiations with proposals that address worker needs.
The strike disrupts operations at the Kruger Trois-Rivières plant. The duration and potential impact on production remain uncertain.
