Union members of the Quebec Cannabis Society walked out for two hours on Thursday, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The “surprise strike” affected 22 branches, said the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), affiliated with the FTQ, which represents them.
Salary is the main point in dispute. According to the union, employees earn $17 an hour upon hiring, even if the employer is a Crown corporation. The minimum wage will reach $14.25 on May 1.
The union also argues that the majority of employees do not have full-time positions or job security.
CUPE warns that this “surprise walkout” will not be the last. In February, its members had given themselves a mandate for pressure tactics that could go as far as an unlimited general strike, in a proportion of 91%.
CUPE represents approximately 300 SQDC employees in 26 branches in Quebec.
To see in video