Matane, Que. – January 9, 2018 – UFCW Canada Local 501 members working at Eastern Quebec Seafoods in Matane, Quebec have voted to join the National Defence Fund (NDF).

The Eastern Quebec Seafoods members process shrimp products that are primarily exported to Denmark, Norway, Japan, the Netherlands, the United States, and the United Kingdom. They joined the NDF 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.

"I would like to extend my congratulations to the members at Eastern Quebec Seafoods for taking a bold stand and voting to join the NDF,” says UFCW Local 501 President Alain Lachaîne. "With the added strength and resources of the National Defence Fund, the Eastern Quebec Seafoods members will have additional bargaining power heading into future negotiations with the employer,” Brother Lachaîne adds.