BÉCANCOUR, QC, Feb. 15, 2019 /CNW/ - The United Steelworkers (Syndicat des Métallos) is disappointed by ABI's decision to withdraw from a return to negotiations that was anticipated in coming days.

"We proposed to the employer to continue negotiations on areas where it is possible to move forward. The employer announced its intention to consider it, but is not agreeing to a timeline for a decision on returning to the bargaining date. ABI seems to be looking for a pretext to break off the anticipated negotiations. This raises questions about its genuine willingness to negotiate in good faith," said Clément Masse, President of Steelworkers Local 9700, representing ABI's 1,030 locked-out employees.

ABI, co-owned by aluminum giants Alcoa and Rio Tinto, locked out its workers on Jan. 11, 2018. At the time negotiations had stalled over pension plan financing and seniority rights in personnel transfers.

The United Steelworkers will not be granting media interviews on this issue, at this time.

The United Steelworkers/Syndicat des Métallos is the largest private-sector union in Quebec, representing more than 60,000 workers from all economic sectors.

SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)