Quebec ABI smelter workers think they will be locked out for a long time
MONTREAL — Workers at the ABI aluminum smelter in Becancour, Que. said Friday they expected to be locked out of work for a long time.
The United Steelworkers Local 9700 said the facility’s 1,030 employees were suddenly locked out at 3 a.m. Thursday, less than 24 hours after they voted against the company’s latest contract offer by more than 80 per cent.
Union leaders said they think the company’s owners are looking to increase the price of aluminum.
Workers picketed outside the Becancour smelter Friday afternoon.