“SAQ Employees Prepare for Strike Amidst Negotiation Deadlock”
The Union of Store and Office Employees (SEMB-SAQ-CSN) has issued a warning that the 5,000 employees of the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) will initiate a strike on Wednesday and Thursday unless significant progress is achieved in negotiations. Expressing dissatisfaction with the current state of talks, which have thus far focused on normative aspects, the union emphasizes its intention to carry out the strike mandate obtained last month.
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SAQ
Lisa Courtemanche, president of SEMB-SAQ-CSN, highlights that nearly 70% of SAQ employees are part-time or on call, leading to uncertainty regarding their work hours in upcoming pay cycles. She deems this situation unacceptable and stresses the importance of consolidating these hours into regular positions, a possibility being discussed at the negotiating table.
Among the union’s demands are improved job stability, expedited access to the group insurance plan, enhanced training opportunities, and an increase in the number of wine advisors and branch coordinators to bolster customer service. Additionally, employees seek the ability to fulfill internet orders within branches, citing concerns that the employer’s insistence on centralizing orders in Montreal unnecessarily prolongs delivery times.
The union underscores that following months of what they consider unproductive negotiations, employees voted in favor of a 15-day strike mandate on March 2, with the intention to exercise it at an appropriate time.
In response, SAQ management acknowledges being informed of the potential strike and assures that all branches will remain open on Wednesday, with teams prepared to serve customers. Yann Langlais Plante, Deputy Director of External Communications, emphasizes ongoing discussions at the negotiating table and outlines the readiness of a business continuity plan to provide limited access to branch services in the event of a strike.
