September 5, 2025, marks an important milestone for the members of Local 1758 working at Abipa Canada Inc.
Gathered in a meeting in Blainville, the members approved the renewal of their collective agreement with an 87% acceptance rate.
The three-and-a-half-year agreement concludes the negotiation process that began in February 2025.
Significant Gains for Members
The new collective agreement brings several substantial improvements to employees’ working conditions. At the heart of these advances is a total wage increase of 17% over the term of the agreement, including increases and adjustments starting in the first year (retroactive to January 2025). The employer will invest over $740,000 in wage progression over the life of the contract.
The gains go beyond wages. Members will also benefit from an enhanced overtime bank, improved vacation entitlements, and the addition of an extra statutory holiday. Occasional leave hours have also been improved, as has the employer’s contribution to the pension plan.
A significant change concerns group insurance: starting January 2026, employees’ contributions will be reduced to 40%, while the employer will cover 60% of the costs. Additionally, the introduction of provisions limiting the use of subcontracting and temporary agency staff will ensure greater job security for members. Paid leave to participate in union retirement preparation training has also been added to the agreement.
A Challenging but Successful Negotiation
Accompanied by District 11 Business Representative, Stéphane Paré, the negotiating committee, composed of Danny Boudrault, Gabriel Mansour, and Jose Salazar, conducted talks for nearly seven months. Discussions were difficult at times, notably after the rejection of the June 12 tentative agreement, which was followed by a day of strike action.
Faced with an impasse, the intervention of a conciliator from the Ministry of Labor was necessary to unblock negotiations. This mediation helped prevent an escalation of pressure tactics and led to a satisfactory settlement.
“I would like to thank all members of the negotiating team who actively participated in this negotiation and the conciliation process to finalize the renewal of the collective agreement. It is thanks to their sustained efforts and perseverance that we achieved this agreement,” said Paré.
He also emphasized that the gains obtained demonstrate the determination and quality of work of the negotiating committee despite the challenges faced. “The committee members were steadfast with the employer. They explained what was wrong, what needed to be done for the benefit of the members and the organization, and they were firm and convincing,” Paré added.
The Strength of the Collective
Beyond the numbers and clauses, this settlement reflects above all the strength of union solidarity. The patience and respect shown by members throughout the process were exemplary. The negotiating committee felt fully supported by the pressure tactics employed, particularly during the day of strike action, which allowed for direct and personal exchanges with members on the negotiation issues.
This mobilization ultimately paid off, resulting in significant gains that will concretely improve the daily lives of Abipa Canada Inc. workers for years to come. The outcome is satisfying and demonstrates that united, members can assert their rights and secure fair and equitable working conditions.
