Both sides in ABI smelter lockout to meet with provincial officials on Friday

The United Steelworkers says it is "very pleased" that the Quebec government has called the union and officials from the ABI aluminum smelter in Becancour, Que., to meetings in Quebec City on Friday. Some 1,030 employees were locked out in the middle of the night on Jan. 11, less than 24 hours after they voted against a company contract offer by more than 80 per cent.