December 20, 2007 (Waterloo, QC) – Employees and management at the Raleigh Plant in Quebec’s Eastern Townships are happy that on December 10 the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) ruled to extend the duties imposed on bicycles imported from Asia (see our report here).

According to La Voix de l’Est newspaper, both management and union representatives spoke before the tribunal, arguing for a continuation of such duties. Although relieved by the decision to maintain duties of about 15% over the next five years, David Edwards, the plant VP, says that it is difficult to predict what the company will do beyond 2008. Edwards added that the plant must be modernized to compete in the global market.

Local union president, Roger Riopel, declared that this decision allows his members to loosen up their belt buckles by one notch, but no more. He also noted that the same CITT decision halts the imposition of duties on bicycle frames, leading Riopel to ask if Canada will get flooded with dumped bike frames.

Some 250 employees presently work at the plant in Waterloo. The Canadian Trade Index lists the Raleigh Canada Ltd plant as making motorcycles, bicycles, and parts.