Quebec City – October 13, 2017 – UFCW Canada Local 501 members working at the Canadian Institute of Quebec in Quebec City have unanimously voted to join the National Defence Fund (NDF). 

The 220 members at the Institute manage Quebec City’s public library network. They joined the NDF in order to gain the protections of Canada’s leading strike and lockout resource.

Established over 30 years ago, the NDF makes sure that in the event of a strike or lockout, bargaining units that subscribe to the fund have the financial and logistical resources needed to fight tough employers. The NDF also provides members with additional strike benefits, on top of their regular strike pay. Employers know that members of the NDF have extra strength to take on a strike or lockout, if required, in order to achieve a fair agreement. 

"We are very proud of the members at the Canadian Institute of Quebec for taking a bold stand and voting to join the NDF,” says UFCW Local 501 President Alain Lachaîne. "With the extra strength and backing of the NDF, our union is confident that the members will be able to hold strong in future negotiations with their employer,” Brother Lachaîne adds.