Labor Dispute Disrupts Major Quebec Maple Syrup Processor

A labor dispute is disrupting operations at one of Quebec’s largest maple syrup processors during the peak sugar season. Approximately 100 workers at Coopérative Citadelle, a bottling facility located in Plessisville, are facing a potential unlimited strike.

The workers are members of the United Steelworkers union, which is affiliated with the FTQ. As of March 18, 2026, the union reported that a mandate for a general and unlimited strike had already been adopted by 85 percent of the members.

Contract Negotiations and Strike Mandate

The potential for a work stoppage centered on a final comprehensive offer from the employer. Union members were scheduled to vote on this offer on the afternoon of March 20, 2026. A rejection of the proposal by the membership would trigger the unlimited strike.

Marc Jalbert, the president of the local union branch, indicated that the offer provided by the employer did not meet the expectations of the members. Jalbert stated that the negotiating committee did not recommend the adoption of the offer.

Coopérative Citadelle, which bottles maple syrup from various producers, had not provided a comment via email at the time the dispute was reported on March 18, 2026.

Industry Context and Labor Conditions

The labor tension at Citadelle is occurring as the United Steelworkers union has sought to bring attention to labor conditions within the industry. The union has alerted both Canadian and American space agencies regarding the less-than-ideal labour conditions endured by workers who produce Quebec maple syrup, particularly as the Artemis II space mission includes the transport of the product to the moon.

This labor instability comes during a period of significant evolution for the Quebec maple syrup industry. Producers are increasingly turning to automation and new technology to satisfy growing global demand, which has led to the addition of millions of new taps.

However, the industry is also navigating several external economic pressures. According to David Hall, Montérégie-Est President of the Productions et productrices acéricoles du Québec (PPAQ), the sector is balancing record production levels against market challenges, including new tariffs imposed by the United States in 2025.

• Industry growth is driven by surging global demand and technological expansion.
• Labor disputes are highlighting the gap between industry growth and worker conditions.
• External market pressures include U.S. Tariffs and production challenges.