Workers at the Aluminerie de Becancour aluminum smelter in Quebec voted 80.3% against the final labor contract that the company made in December, according to a union source.
He said the union workers have asked for the company to go back to the bargaining table and resume negotiations. "We will see if [the company] is willing to do so," said the union source. "This rejection shows the company the workers are not satisfied."
The existing five-year labor agreement at the plant expired midnight EST November 22 (0500 GMT) and covers 1,030 workers belonging to United Steelworkers union Local 9700.
Negotiations between the company and union started in early September and were extended until the company put forth its final offer December 22, at which point the union issued a statement expressing disappointment.
The union could strike or the company could lock out workers at any point.
The smelter is co-owned 75% by Alcoa and 25% by Rio Tinto Alcan. It is the second largest smelter in North America, with output of 450,000 mt/year through three potlines and 720 pots.
