Steelworkers at IOC in Sept-Iles Quebec reject contract offer by 98 per cent

Local could be joining Labrador West workers on picket line

['IOC port facility at Sept-iles, Que. - Photo by IOC']

The Steelworkers union local 9344 in Sept Îles, QC has rejected the Iron Ore company of Canada’s latest offer by 98 per cent. The workers are assigned to IOC’s railway and port activities in Sept- Îles.

The vote was taken after meetings held yesterday and today. Due to regulations they do not have the right to strike till April 10.

In a press release issued this (Thursday March 29th) afternoon, the President of local 9344 Eddy Wright outlined the reason for rejecting the offer.

“The negotiations stumbled mainly over the monetary aspects of the contract, including the amounts planned for the defined benefit pension plan,” Wright said. “Every dollar invested in the pension plan and in wages is a dollar left in the region, which is spent here on basic necessities. The entire regional economy benefits. We hope that current and future workers and retirees can continue to live well here.”

Local 9344 represents 305 workers at IOC in Sept-Îles.

News of the vote spread quickly in Labrador City this afternoon with Facebook posts acknowledging this as a show of solidarity between the two locals.

Steelworkers representative in Quebec Danny Maltais said they hope there can be a return to meaningful negotiations for all three Steelworkers locals (5795,6731, and 9344 ).

Meanwhile the executive of local 9344 will head to Labrador City tomorrow (March 30th) in a show of support to the striking workers in Labrador City. The executive will present the striking locals in Labrador City with a check for $25,000 to show their solidarity with the workers who started their strike in the wee hours of Tuesday Morning.

Meanwhile the Iron ore company of Canada has released a statement following the news of the Steelworkers local 9344 intention to strike.

“We have presented a competitive offer to the union in Sept-Iles – one that we believe is in the best interests of our workforce and reflects IOC’s long-term strategy and commitment to the region,” said Clayton Walker, IOC’s President and CEO. “From now until April 10, we will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and integrity of our Sept-Iles port facilities and railways operations, and will continue to honour our commitments to the community.”

Negotiations between both sides started January 8th, the current contract expired at the end of February.

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