“In 2011, our Alma plant in Saguenay Lac-St-Jean was on lock-out for six months following a long and difficult negociation process. Our plant employs approximately 200 professionnals and 800 unionized employees. Our annual aluminum production is arount 460KT and the plant’s recent technology gives it an importante place within Rio Tinto Alcan’s portfolio.
 
In an atmosphere of difficult labour relations and facing a post-conflict return to work, we were facing several crises. The plant’s management team therefore called on Relais Expert-Conseil’s team for assistance. Their mandate consisted of supporting the management team in developing a return-to-work strategy based on values of respect and strict management. They trained every manager on the appropriate range of skills and desireable behaviours that were needed in a situation such as ours. They coached managers on an individual basis many and offered counselling.
 
On site for the duration of the return-to-work process, their interventions greatly contibuted to the successful restart of our plant by integrating values associated with respect and rigourous management throughout the entire plant. Their professionalism, listening skills, discretion and availability were outstanding. The Relais team is made-up of highly competent ressources in various fields such as coaching, support relationships and crisis management.
 
Looking back, the Alma plant and the RTA executive team cannot imagine managing this return to work without Relais Expert-conseil’s undeniable support.”
 
Lise Lapointe
Human Resources Manager, Rio Tinto Alcan