SAQ

SAQ Employees Hit the Off-Switch: Is Your Weekend Wine Safe?

Will your weekend bottle be at risk? Find out why SAQ employees are raising a glass to strike! 🍷✊

In a bold move that might leave your weekend wine plans at risk, 5,500 employees from the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) have decided to picket their way through negotiations, declaring a 24-hour strike beginning Thursday morning. This comes after 22 long months of back-and-forth bargaining that have left many employees frustrated. The workers, represented by the Syndicat des employé-es de magasins et de bureaux (SEMB-SAQ-CSN), are demanding better wages and more permanent positions, but it seems the only thing they've achieved so far is an impasse with their employer.

The union's president, Lisa Courtemanche, has publicly expressed the frustrations of her members, claiming that SAQ management is hamstrung by a refusal to address salary issues that have been tabled for discussion. With the store's leadership, it feels like a classic game of poker – one side holding its cards close, while the other is ready to go all-in for better paychecks. As the clock ticks on negotiations, customers are left uncertain about which branches will remain open as the strike unfolds. It’s like a suspenseful movie, where the outcome will determine if your Friday night plans involve a fancy Bordeaux or a case of dry throat!

While the spotlight is on these negotiations, little do we know that this isn’t the first time SAQ employees have banded together for their rights. Historically, labor movements have shaped the work culture in Quebec, making it a stronghold for workers’ unions. Organizations like the SEMB-SAQ-CSN have been pivotal in advocating for fair wages and better working conditions in the retail sector, but this current chapter showcases just how fragile these advancements can be.

In case you think the strike is just a temporary inconvenience, think again! The SAQ is a major alcohol retailer in Quebec, embodying significant economic weight due to the province's stringent liquor laws. So, whether you’re stocking up for a party or planning a quiet night in, remember: the next bottle of wine you reach for might just have a story behind it! Meanwhile, SAQ employees continue to fight the good fight for their rights, ultimately underscoring the importance of fair labor practices across all sectors.

Did you know that Quebec has the highest number of liquor stores per capita in Canada? With over 400 SAQ outlets across the province, striking employees are no small force. Not to mention, the liquor industry in Quebec generated approximately $2 billion in net income, a testament to why striking can shake things up not just for employees, but for consumers too!