Our secretary, Ms. Blanchard, summarized our situation very well. However, I would like to add a few points. I would simply like to point out that we have been living with this social injustice for nearly five years. As far as we are concerned, we find it absolutely unbelievable that we are in such a situation.
During the 30 to 40 years when the Aciers Atlas retirees were working, they were told that a portion of their salary would be kept back, but that when they retired, they would be entitled to a guaranteed pension. We were lied to and, what is more, our money was stolen. The complacency of current legislation is what made this possible. We absolutely therefore agree that the laws need to be changed. In the case of bankruptcy, pension plans should be deemed to have senior debt status.
I would also like to point out that Aciers Atlas retirees cannot take this matter to court. The company liquidated everything. The preferred creditor took everything that was left. We lost 30% to 58% of our pensions. Think about that, 58% is a lot! This has disrupted our lives. I do not mean to be dramatic, but whenever I attend a funeral for a pensioner who has passed away, the relatives come and talk to me about it and tell me that the losses sped up the person's passing. I believe this is true too. When you have worked your entire life and you get to the end of your life and this happens, it is not easy to live through.
An 83-year-old man told me something that struck me so much that I must share it with you. He told me that societies are judged on the way that they treat their elders. He said that in his opinion, we were being treated like expired products that people simply wanted to push aside when they were no longer needed.
I think that is all. Thank you for having listened to us.