Work Stoppage Continues at Smurfit-Stone's La Tuque Mill
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Smurfit-Stone Container Corp., Chicago, Ill., USA, reports that the UNIK Local 34 union (UNIK) at the company's La Tuque, Que., Canada, mill rejected its contract offer tendered on November 10. The offer was rejected by approximately 53% of the voting union members. Smurfit-Stone has confirmed its position with UNIK leadership that its current offer remains unchanged and a lockout will remain in effect until an agreement is reached.
According to Smurfit-Stone, on November 8, UNIK initiated a work stoppage at the La Tuque mill without notice, despite a meeting that was planned to take place on November 10 to continue with talks. The company said it has been attempting to negotiate with UNIK since early 2010. An agreement similar to the offer made to UNIK had already been reached some months ago with the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union (CEP), which covers roughly 270 production and office employees at the mill. UNIK, an independent union not affiliated with CEP, covers approximately 140 paper machine workers at the La Tuque mill.
"We have negotiated in good faith all along and again presented a fair and competitive offer," said Pierre Pacarar, GM of the La Tuque mill. "It is our position that the offer was consistent with other contracts in the industry and we are disappointed with this result."
Throughout the lockout, Smurtit-Stone says, management and a small group of hourly employees will ensure that the mill's assets are maintained and the company continues to meet all of its environmental obligations.
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