GATINEAU, Que. – The United Steelworkers/Syndicat des Métallos has welcomed 125 new members into its ranks, with workers at the Weston food plant in Gatineau, who were previously affiliated with the CSD, joining the union. The new USW members have formed a new USW local that aims to organize workers throughout the Outaouais region.
“We’re very proud to join the Steelworkers. We feel like we’ve arrived in a big-league union. That’s especially true in the last few months, when you look at the way the Steelworkers have adapted to the situation to continue to defend and represent its members and to offer training. We’re very happy to be represented by, and be able to rely on, such an organization,” said Sylvain Laplante, a leader of the Steelworkers’ organizing campaign who was president of the previous union local at the plant for several years.
The Weston workers have created the first bargaining unit within the new Steelworkers/Métallos Local 9584, which plans to increase its membership in the Outaouais region.
“I invite all workers in the region to join this new local to work together to improve working conditions across the region,” Laplante said.
The new union local will welcome workers from various workplaces and sectors in the region, said USW staff representative Martin L’Abbée.
“This regional union will be close to the people and focused on the realities of the region, with workers supporting each other and benefiting from the quality services and resources of a large organization that represents workers in Quebec and across North America. Whether it’s in collective bargaining, health and safety, or defending the rights or workers, the Steelworkers always stand up for their members,” L’Abbée said.
The United Steelworkers/Syndicat des Métallos, affiliated with the FTQ, is the largest private-sector union in Quebec, representing more than 60,000 workers in all economic sectors.
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