The ATU flag is flying higher today after a historic one-day strike by our Local 1557-Gatineau, QC, members led to a big victory! International President John Costa joined with our Local members and allies to celebrate their hard-fought tentative agreement secured late last night.
“You held the line and showed STO we won’t back down. It was an honour to walk the picket lines with you. I’m proud of your strength, unity, and solidarity,” Costa told the fired-up crowd. “Your negotiating team didn’t back down. President Olivier Lachance and the team pushed back against management to secure a contract with wage increases, job protections, and other improvements. Thank you to our other Locals from Ottawa and Hamilton, and our allies who came here to support you. We celebrate this win not only for the ATU, but for our riders and all working people.”
International Vice President Manny Sforza and ATU Canada President John Di Nino also joined in the celebration. Our Locals showing up in solidarity were Local 279-Ottawa, ON, Local 1760-Ottawa, ON, and Local 107-Hamilton, ON. CLC Executive Vice President Larry Rousseau and candidate for NDP Leader Avi Lewis also attended the rally to celebrate the contract win.
This victory is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our Union to fight for justice and equity. Nous fl'avons fermé et nous avons gagné ! (We shut it down and won)!