Davie workers reject “insulting” labor deal

Written by Nick Blenkey
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Union says 91% of Davie's workers rejected proposed collective agreement

JULY 11, 2016 —Workers at Canada’s largest shipyard, Chantier Davie Canada Inc., Levis, Quebec, voted Sunday to “massively reject” the shipbuilder’s proposal for a new labor agreement, reports trade union CSN (Confédération
des Syndicats Nationaux).

The old collective agreement expired June 30. The shipyard cannot bid on new Canadian Coast Guard contracts until a new agreement is in place.CSN says the proposed agreement was rejected by 91% of union members.

“The workers have chosen to massively reject the proposal of the employer. They feel insulted by this offer which denies the qualifications of skilled labor and the specific conditions in which the employees work,” said Davie union president, Raphael Jobin.

The employer offered a renewal of the agreement for a period of 18 months, a wage increase of 1% on July 1, 2016 and 1% on January 2017 and a 0.5% signing bonus.

“The employer demanded a blank check from workers, without any guarantee for contracts,” said Ann Gingras, president of the Central Council of Québec Chaudière Appalaches-CSN. “Saying yes to this offerould affect staff retention and maintenance of qualified expertise of the site. It would help to sink the company for which the Davie employees are proud to work.”

Broadcaster CBC says negotiations between the union and employer will continue this week.

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