New Quebec Local Nearing Affiliation with IU

The Canadian Congress meeting in Ottawa included an upbeat announcement by President Flynn that the International Union is close to finalizing a formal affiliation with a new Local in the Province of Quebec. The new Local, led by Director and Financial Secretary Mario Basilico, will be Local 1 Quebec, and will add more than 800 tile setters and finishers to BAC’s membership. Local 1 was at one time affiliated with the IU until the mid-1980s. Since that time, membership has grown from 250 to more than 800. According to Basilico, a guest at the January Congress meeting, “Local 1 seeks improved member services” through its association with the IU. The proposed affiliation is proceeding with the full cooperation and support of BAC Local 4 Quebec and Business Manager Maurice Mongeon.

IU and Quebec local leaders met before a session of the Canadian Congress in Ottawa recently to discuss the shared concerns of craftworkers in the province and the likely affiliation of Local 1 Quebec with the IU. From left, Congress Co-Chair Alfred Vautour, BAC Local 4 PQ Business Manager Maurice Mongeon, BAC President Flynn, Local 1 Director and Financial Secretary Mario Basilico, BAC Secretary-Treasurer Boland; and Local 1 Business Agent Aldo Malorni.