Workers at Labatt vote unanimously in favour of strike action

“Concessions included a 20 per cent cut in medical and dental benefits, no medical benefits for all retirees going forward, and a removal of the no contracting out clause, to name a few.”

St. John's (15 April 2013) – Workers with Labatt Brewing Company (Labatt), who are members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE/NUPGE), have voted 100% in favour of a strike.

“At the end of an unsuccessful round of negotiations, there were still over 20 concessions left on the table,” stated NAPE President Carol Furlong. “Concessions included a 20 per cent cut in medical and dental benefits, no medical benefits for all retirees going forward, and a removal of the no contracting out clause, to name a few.”

“Our negotiating team had been at the table trying to reach a fair agreement for our members at Labatt,” said Furlong. “In the middle of that process, the employer brought in replacement workers from out of province and instructed our union members to train them. This was a callous move that unnecessarily inflamed the situation with regards to negotiations and which also put our members in a very difficult position. Our team was, and continues to be, committed to reaching a fair deal at the bargaining table. The employer has made bringing that goal to fruition very difficult.”

“This is a company that is very profitable and has no need to seek massive concessions from its employees,” said Furlong. “We are calling on the employer to return to the bargaining table in an effort to end this labour strife and get workers at Labatt back to work.”

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE