A strike threat hangs over the Société des alcools du Québec.
Some 800 union members work in SAQ warehouses and supply SAQ points of sale who would be affected by a walkout, if any.
These workers, members of a local union of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), affiliated with the FTQ, have just voted 94% in favor of pressure tactics that could go as far as strike action.
In an interview on Tuesday, Michel Gratton, CUPE union advisor assigned to the file, however wished not to come to that. He notes that the negotiations are going well, three days a week. Again this week, the parties are negotiating.
“It’s slow, but it’s progressing. So we do not intend to resort to a strike right away, or to any means of pressure whatsoever, as we speak, ”said Mr. Gratton.
By adopting this strike mandate, the workers wanted to demonstrate the seriousness of their desire to obtain a salary catch-up, he explained.
Some job titles pay $ 17 an hour at the entry level, he lamented.
In addition to remuneration, the precarious status of several part-time employees, as well as group insurance are in dispute.
Also, according to Mr. Gratton, the Société des alcools is carrying out a home delivery project and he wants its members to carry out these tasks. He therefore wants to negotiate the conditions.
“Currently, it could be Canada Post or Purolator. But I have a problem with the fact that it’s alcohol that we deliver. Me, bottles of liquor left at the door because the customer is not there … or identify the customer to make sure he is 18 years old … There are only about our employees who can do this service, ”argues M, Gratton.
The collective agreement expired on March 31st.
On the side of the management of the Société des alcools, it was indicated that “negotiations have been underway since September 22” and that “the climate at the table is good, the discussions are constructive and are progressing normally”.
Management reports that “operations are continuing normally”.
“Our desire has been the same since the start of the negotiations: to reach a satisfactory agreement for both parties as soon as possible,” said SAQ management.