Press release
One week into the lockout: Beaulieu Canada keeps the door closed 

One week after declaring an indefinite lockout, the 160 employees of Beaulieu Canada (Division 3) remain excluded from their workplace, with no sign of any real willingness to engage in dialogue. 

In a press release issued this week, the company announced its intention to table a “comprehensive offer” in the coming days that is aligned with its business objectives. 

Negotiations continue, but nothing changes 

Despite a meeting held this week, no concrete progress has been made so far. 

“Imagine an employer preparing a comprehensive offer when the union hasn’t even had the chance to submit its monetary demands, and half of the normative demands haven’t yet been discussed. It’s clear the employer isn’t looking to negotiate; it’s trying to impose an offer it expects to be accepted without discussion,” said Alexis Roy, union representative for UES 800. 

The employer had asked members to refrain from any pressure tactics until November 20. The union, for its part, proposed a temporary truce until the next bargaining session, scheduled for October 20. It was an olive branch the employer refused, choosing instead to maintain the lockout. 

“Our members aren’t angry, but they are deeply disappointed. The message they’re getting is that the employer’s business priorities come before the well-being of its staff,” he added. 

At a time of labour shortages, Beaulieu Canada chooses to sideline its own workforce 

On the picket line, workers continue to show courage and dignity. But after a week without income, some are beginning to question their future. 

In the current labour shortage, Beaulieu Canada risks losing valuable collective expertise if the conflict drags on. 

“If some people leave for other jobs, it would mean a major loss of experience and know-how for the company. No one wants that, not the employees and not management. We want to keep our workers with us,” said Guy Boisvert, president of the union unit. 

Concrete actions, not empty words 

UES 800 reminds the company that messages of empathy sent to affected employees mean little as long as the lockout continues. 

“Beaulieu claims to want a quick resolution, but an agreement isn’t declared; it’s negotiated. For now, what we’re seeing is a company that talks about flexibility and competitiveness but refuses to listen to its workers,” concluded Alexis Roy, union representative for UES 800. 

UES 800 stands in solidarity with its members and reaffirms its commitment to genuine negotiations. A proposal built on a complete and balanced understanding of the workers’ demands will undoubtedly be better received than a unilateral offer imposed from the top down.