The 800 salaried workers of the two SAQ warehouses as well as those responsible for delivering the bottles to the various branches rejected by 86% the agreement in principle reached between the two parties.
“We had suspended a strike in order to give negotiations one last chance. We had an agreement, but it was refused by the members, declared Monday evening, Michel Gratton, union adviser of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), in a press release released after the vote. We will meet (Tuesday) with the executive committee of the union to determine what our next actions will be. Obviously, we will also contact the employer. ”
Wine lovers, who have found themselves in front of empty shelves in SAQ branches for a few days following a three-day strike called in November by warehouse workers, may still have trouble finding their way. unearth their favorite bottle if the workers decide once again to go on strike.
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Tablets from an SAQ branch located on Lajeunesse Street in Montreal.
For the moment, however, it is impossible to know whether pressure tactics will be adopted by union members or whether the two parties intend to return to the negotiating table. At the time of publication, the SAQ had not yet reacted.
Let us recall the 800 salaried workers of the two SAQ warehouses as well as those responsible for delivering bottles to the various branches went on strike on November 16, 22 and 23. Salary, job security and occupational health and safety measures were among the main issues in dispute. The two distribution centers, located in Montreal and Quebec, supply all branches of the liquor company.