Laval, February 11, 2013 — Close to 40 of the 130 plant workers will be let go from window manufacturer Masonite International’s plant in Berthier.
The announcement, made last week in the presence of Teamsters Local 106 representatives, left the workers speechless. They all went home immediately after.
“I am wondering if there are any legitimate reasons for the layoff,” said the president of Local 106. “Our lawyers are looking into it.”
The U.S. company has already closed other plants in Quebec, leaving only Berthier in operation. It will be recalled that in 2012, Masonite acquired Portes Lemieux, which is not unionized.
Masonite explains the layoffs became necessary after it lost a contract with home renovation giant Lowe’s.
The Teamsters Union represents 125,000 members in Canada in all trades. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, with which Teamsters Canada is affiliated, has 1.4 million members in North America.
Information:
Stéphane Lacroix, Director of Communications, Teamsters Canada
Mobile: 514-609-5101
Office: 450-682-5521 x236
E-mail: [email protected]
