A strike at the Olymel Vallee-Jonction plant in Quebec has now entered the fifth month. The union representing approximately 1,000 workers recently rejected an offer by the cooperative to end the strike. Farmers have been consigning hogs to distant plants imposed stress on animals and increasing expenses. Farmers have indicated that they will start euthanizing hogs to reduce the backlog of 150,000 animals. Producers are urging the Government of Quebec to intervene based on the need to restore production. It is noted that the Government of Quebec has a considerable investment in Olymel and it is in the public interest to restore production. Accordingly the Minister for Labor for the Province has intervened following a threat to by Olymel to close the plant resulting in unenployment and disruption of hog production.
The episode indicates the problem associated with intransigent and militant unions and a divided workforce. The situation in Quebec should be a warning to companies and unions alike that failure to negotiate in good faith is a recipe for mutual financial damage.