BAIE-COMEAU, Que. – Standing tall and smiling broadly, the 20 or so female workers at Comfort Inn Baie-Comeau unanimously accepted their new employment contract. With yesterday’s 100% vote in favour of ratification, a strike that began on March 22, 2024, i.e., more than a year ago, is now over.
Retroactive to August 2023, the five-year contract provides for a total wage increase of almost 36%: 20.43% for 2023; 4.5% for 2024 and 2025; 3.5% for 2026; and 3% for 2027.
“We’re so proud to have fought this battle. We could not have done it without the support and solidarity of Steelworkers from all across Quebec. Many local unions helped us by providing financial support. The Canada-wide “Comfort Begins with Respect” campaign organized by Steelworkers to raise customer awareness and put pressure on our employer was also a huge help,” says Christine Côté, spokesperson for the Steelworkers Local Union 7065 member group.
Night shift premiums have increased, and other improvements have been made in several aspects of the agreement.
“We’re extremely happy with this outcome because it means that Comfort Inn Baie-Comeau Steelworkers will have working conditions comparable to those enjoyed by other unionized hotel employees in the region. When you’re a USW member, the size of your group – large or small – doesn’t matter. All workers who decide to stand up for themselves to improve their situation receive the same vigorous support from their union and their fellow Steelworkers everywhere. Our battle is proof of this,” says Stéphane Néron, Syndicat des Métallos/United Steelworkers North Shore Co-ordinator.
“They held the fort in spite of the cold, the bad weather and the long days of picketing! And they won their fight,” said Nelson Breton, President of Amalgamated Local Union 7065.
Once the agreement has been signed, the parties will jointly determine a return-to-work date. The employer must now decide when to resume operations.
Affiliated with the FTQ, the Syndicat des Métallos/United Steelworkers is the largest private-sector union in Quebec, representing more than 60,000 workers in all sectors of the economy.
Information:
Clairandrée Cauchy, 514 774-4001, ccauchy@metallos.ca
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