Olymel is a Canadian meat packing food processing company, a producer of pork and poultry products.
[3] As the expiry of the collective bargaining agreement drew near in early 2021, workers at the factory in Vallée-Jonction raised a number of concerns surrounding salaries and working conditions, including low pay, understaffing, and very high turnover rates.
[4] Another source of discontent was the resolution of the events of 2006–2007, which had seen workers receive a pay cut of 38%, as well as reductions in pensions and sick days.
[9] On 7 July, around 250 striking workers held a demonstration in front the Ministry of Labour in Québec City, calling for the company to return to negotiations.
[20] Boulet also stated that he would be unwilling to introduce a law in the National Assembly to impose a deal and forcibly end the strike.
[28] Local politicians and small businesses reacted negatively to Olymel's ultimatum, fearing the impact the cuts would have on the town's economy.
[29] On 29 August, the union announced that a tentative deal had been reached with Olymel, including an increase in pay of 26,4% across the next six years, the introduction of a new pension plan, and more flexibility for workers seeking to book summer vacations.