Strong solidarity with Alma steelworkers

ALMA, QUEBEC (March 31, 2012) -- CEP Secretary-Treasurer Gaétan Ménard (left), Executive Vice-President, Quebec, Michel Ouimet and President Dave Coles were among the more than 8,000 demonstrators who marched through the streets of Alma this weekend to demand an end to the lock out and to fight for the preservation of jobs at the Rio Tinto Alcan smelter. Rio Tinto Alcan forced nearly 800 workers onto picket lines three months ago, rather than continue attempts to negotiate a new contract. The workers are members of USW Local 9490. "This struggle will take solidarity, people and money to win," President Coles told the crowd. "Our union pledges all of that and more..." The CEP Board presented $25,000 to the workers in January. Global and national labour leaders made fiery speeches, but the crowd reserved the loudest applause for the Local president of the Alma smelter workers. [Photos]