SAQ workers launch strike

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About 5,000 workers employed by the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) staged a one-day walkout Thursday as their union denounced management’s salary offer during contract negotiations.

The CSN-affiliated Syndicat des employés des magasins et de bureaux de la SAQ, part of the Fédération des employés de services publics and affiliated with the CSN, confirmed their membership would be on strike for its third day.

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The union has established a bank of 15 strike days, two of which were used in April.

Most SAQ locations were affected, with management saying some branches were able to open their doors. Purchases could also be made online.

Several issues remain under negotiation, but management says parties have come to an agreement on non-monetary clauses.

Lisa Courtemanche, the union’s president, says salary is still under negotiation, as is better access to permanent full-time positions and coverage under group insurance.

Negotiations have dragged on for 21 months. Parties have been in conciliation since last November, Courtemanche said at a Montreal press conference.

“We have made great progress in recent weeks and … we have reached an agreement on the entire standard-setting component,” SAQ management said in a statement.

The management said it made its first salary offer last week. The union says the offer amounts to a 16.5-per-cent raise over six years.

François Enault, CSN vice-president, pointed to salary increases of 17.4 per cent over five years for civil servants. A Crown corporation like the SAQ cannot then offer “downward” increases, he said.

The union says it could use more banked strike days as the holidays approach.

“All our strategies are possible starting now to reach a respectful resolution. Anything is possible,” Courtemanche said.

The parties will meet Friday for another negotiation session.

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