(Montreal) The 630 workers at Raglan Mine, in Nunavik, voted 97.5% in favor of the strike. A mandate that can be exercised “when deemed appropriate”.
Posted at 5:29 p.m.
The nickel mine, located at the northern end of Quebec, is located in Katinniq, between the Inuit villages of Salluit and Kangiqsujuaq.
Employees at the mine, operated by Glencore, commute. They spoke in recent days at meetings held in different places across Quebec (Quebec, Rouyn-Noranda, Laval, Mont-Joli, Bonaventure, Gaspé and Raglan) as well as by videoconference.
The vote was tallied Sunday night and shows overwhelming support for the strike.
Steelworkers Local 9449 President Éric Savard said in a statement that “what Glencore is offering falls short of expectations. Union members demand better. The employer must not underestimate the determination of our members”.
The negotiations are stymied by several elements, in particular the use of subcontractors for too many activities at the mine located in Nunavik.
“Over the years, labor relations have deteriorated at the mine. It affects the quality of life of workers who spend long periods at the mine site, isolated from their families. Our members want good working conditions, but above all, they also demand respect,” adds Éric Savard.
New negotiation meetings are scheduled during the week. Union representatives say that if there is no progress in the talks, the strike will be called.