Workers at La Charpenterie join the NDF – UFCW 501

Chicoutimi, Que. – August 2, 2017 – UFCW Canada Local 501 members working at La Charpenterie in Chicoutimi, Quebec have unanimously voted to join the National Defence Fund (NDF).

The La Charpenterie members manufacture pre-fabricated wood structures, including roof trusses, laminated beams, and customized formwork elements. They joined the NDF in order to gain the protections of Canada’s leading strike and lockout resource.

Established over 30 years ago, the NDF makes sure that in the event of a strike or lockout, bargaining units that subscribe to the fund have the financial and logistical resources needed to fight tough employers. The NDF also provides members with additional strike benefits, on top of their regular strike pay. Employers know that members of the NDF have extra strength to take on a strike or lockout, if required, in order to achieve a fair agreement.

"I would like to commend the workers at La Charpenterie for making a bold move and voting to join the NDF,” says UFCW Local 501 President Alain Lachaîne. "With the added resources of the NDF, we are confident that the La Charpenterie members will be able to stand strong in future negotiations with their employer,” Brother Lachaîne adds.