28 June, 2024
Montreal, QC – Nearly 300 workers at Lion Electric have successfully unionized, despite strong opposition from the employer. The IAM in Canada is pleased to welcome these new members, who faced significant challenges during their organizing efforts.
The workers assemble electric buses and trucks in Saint-Jérôme, QC. In mid-April, 2024, the IAM filed for certification with the Quebec Labour Board after a three-year campaign by the IAM.
“The employer tried everything to prevent this group of workers from joining our union, but their determination to get respect and justice at work prevailed over the anti-union tactics,” said Éric Gagné, Organiser for IAM District 11. “The workers saw the IAM as their clear choice.”
“This is a significant victory for these workers who chose the right way to earn respect from their employer,” says Pierre Grenier, Directing Business Representative of IAM District 11.
Buoyed by their success in Quebec, the newly unionised workers now plan to help their counterparts at Lion’s in Joliet, Illinois join the IAM. “Our goal is to unionize all Lion Electric plants in North America,” said David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice-President. “Why choose to remain divided when we can be stronger together?”
The next step for this newly-unionised group is to prepare for negotiating their first collective agreement with their Bargaining Committee with the support of District 11.
“Our new members will have the opportunity to rely on the full range of services offered by District 11 and IAMAW to secure a strong first union contract,” explains Pierre Grenier.
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For more information
Éric Gagné
Organiser, IAM District 11