Timminco, labor union come to terms, wage hikes postponed until May 2010

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Troubled solar materials supplier Timminco has ratified and approved the terms of a new collective bargaining deal with its hourly workforce at the company’s Becancour, Quebec, facilities. More than 93% of the unionized employees, who are represented by the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada, Local 184, voted in favor of the new terms, which will apply for five years ending in April 2013.

Under the new agreement, wages will not increase from existing levels, which have been in effect since the expiration of the prior labor contract in April 2008, until May 2010. Wage hikes of 2.4%, 2.6%, and 2.8% will take effect annually in May 2010, May 2011, and May 2012, respectively. The company says it will also put in place new work schedules to enhance operational efficiencies at the Becancour factory.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

“We are very pleased that our employees have shown such strong support for the new agreement,” said Rene Boisvert, president/CEO of Becancour Silicon, Timminco’s wholly owned subsidiary. “We have spent many months in negotiations with the union representatives, and thank them for their efforts in bringing us to an amicable agreement on the new contract. It provides long-term stability in the workforce, which positions the company well for the future when we see a recovery in the demand for silicon metal and solar-grade silicon.”

Timminco says that 275 of the 375 employees at its Becancour facilities are unionized. The company has begun temporary workforce reductions at these facilities as a result of the curtailment of production of silicon metal and the reduced production levels of solar-grade silicon under its cost containment initiative.

To date, 172 unionized employees have been given temporary layoff notices to bring employment levels in line with current production levels, although the company said that the extent and duration of such workforce reductions are uncertain.

Read Next

Premium
October 10, 2025
Gaëtan Masson of IEA PVPS warns of overcapacity, collapsing prices and slipping module quality in the new Trends in PV Applications report.
October 10, 2025
The European solar module market has reached a “state of equilibrium” in recent weeks, with stable prices and regular demand.
October 10, 2025
US solar recycling firm OnePlanet has achieved the R2v3 certification from electronics sustainability non-profit SERI, which represents the “highest standards of traceability”.
October 10, 2025
NTPC Renewable Energy Limited has signed an MoU with the Government of Gujarat to develop 15GW renewable energy projects in Gujarat.
October 10, 2025
Australia's renewable energy sector recorded its slowest month of the year for additions in September, with 5.8GW of new projects added to development pipelines, according to data from Rystad Energy.
October 9, 2025
The Australian government has announced the results of the fourth Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) tender, with 6.6GW of renewables awarded long-term contracts.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 21, 2025
New York, USA
Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK