Democracy Gone Astray

Democracy, being a human construct, needs to be thought of as directionality rather than an object. As such, to understand it requires not so much a description of existing structures and/or other related phenomena but a declaration of intentionality.
This blog aims at creating labeled lists of published infringements of such intentionality, of points in time where democracy strays from its intended directionality. In addition to outright infringements, this blog also collects important contemporary information and/or discussions that impact our socio-political landscape.

All the posts here were published in the electronic media – main-stream as well as fringe, and maintain links to the original texts.

[NOTE: Due to changes I haven't caught on time in the blogging software, all of the 'Original Article' links were nullified between September 11, 2012 and December 11, 2012. My apologies.]

Sunday, January 01, 2012

Rio Tinto Alcan Locks Out 800 Workers At Its Alma, Quebec Smelter

ALMA, Qc - Rio Tinto Alcan has locked out workers at its smelter in Alma, Que. after last-ditch contract talks collapsed Saturday and the union's contract expired at midnight.

The company announced the lockout early Sunday morning, saying plans were in place to ensure its aluminium operations continue to run safely and efficiently.

"We will work to limit the labour disruption's impact Rio Tinto Alcan's customers," the company said in a release.

Staff will continue to operate the plant during the lockout until further notice, the company said.

On Friday about 800 workers from three negotiating units rejected what the company said would be its final offer.

Union officials had a strike mandate before the talks collapsed and had warned that a work stoppage could be imminent.

The sides in the dispute haven't been able to agree on conditions related to subcontracted labour.

The Alma facility hosts one of Rio Tinto Alcan’s (NYSE:RIO) most important North American aluminum smelters.

Original Article
Source: Huff 

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