Union workers at Alcan Inc`s Alma smelter in Quebec will go on strike in the New Year if talks on a new contract remain unsuccessful, said Reuters citing union officials.
The union, which speaks for 800 workers at the facility, said 89% of members rejected the recent contract offer by Alcan over concerns about job protection and increased wages.
The members also gave the union`s negotiating committee a strike order, to allow the workers to legally go on strike in early January, straight after their present contract ends on December 31.
The president of the local union, Stephane Desgagne said: "We still have time to negotiate, we want to negotiate in good faith," added Reuters.
Alcan officials confirmed that they too are looking to resume talks "in the hope of resolving this issue as soon as possible," said Reuters, citing Alcan spokesman Alexander Christen.
Ms Desgagne said the union, which has connections with the United Steelworkers of America, wants to negotiate another contract rather than have one imposed on it, and was willing to bargain again if Alcan makes a "reasonable" offer, added Reuters.
Alcan shares rose C$0.64 to C$57.62/share on the Toronto Stock Exchange, and US$0.38 to US$50.16/share on the New York Stock Exchange yesterday.
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