Pressure on labor relations at INRS – Center Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie has just dropped a few notches, where the majority of workers backed the agreement in principle signed on July 13 between management of the facility and their union.

At an extraordinary general meeting on August 31, the 68 members present voted in favor of this agreement with 78%. The collective agreement for 92 employees in office, trade, specialist and technical occupations expired on May 31, 2022.

Remember that employers and union started talks in November 2022. But after a few meetings in March 2023, the employers’ party left the negotiating table. Tensions then reached a climax and members grew increasingly dissatisfied with the disrespectful behavior of management. In fact, workers voted massively to introduce leverage that could go as far as a strike.

Despite a difficult climate, intensive negotiations were held on July 11th. And late that day, July 13, a mutually satisfactory agreement was reached.

The new employment contract provides for salary increases of between 11 and 14.75% over five years for all job titles. In addition, employees receive additional flexible vacation days and the option to defer or redeem up to a maximum of 20 vacation days. A pilot project to implement the four-day week was also negotiated.

“We will keep the great solidarity of our members from these negotiations. “The result reflects the vote they expressed and shows that there is still work to be done on the part of our employer,” affirmed Martin Pellerin, President of the INRS Institute Armand-Frappier Worker Support Union, SESIAF SCFP 1733.

“Overall it is an offer that we can recommend. However, the employer must do more to solve the problems related to work overload, lack of resources, poor work organization and lack of recognition of work done,” added Richard Quesnel, CUPE union representative.