SAQ greve

When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade... or Just Grieve Over It!

The SAQ employees' grape escape from contracts has led to a 24-hour strike! What does it mean for your favorite wine run?

The air is tense around Quebec as 5,500 employees of the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ), represented by the Syndicat des employé-es de magasins et de bureaux (SEMB), have hit the pavement due to ongoing negotiations. With no collective agreement since March 31, 2023, workers are left feeling like wine bottles without labels - a bit lost and unsure of their value. After 22 months of discussions that have turned more sour than sweet, the employees decided it was time to unleash their frustrations in a 24-hour strike on Thursday morning.

The strike has resulted in some stores remaining open, much to the relief of customers in need of their favorite spirits. But let’s be real, there’s nothing festive about a stroll down the alcohol aisle when you're faced with the empty shelves of a store that doesn't have its dedicated staff working. The issues at stake include not only salary discussions but also the pursuit of more permanent, full-time job positions, which many employees believe is crucial for their work-life balance and job security.

Lisa Courtemanche, the president of the union, has expressed disappointment in the employer's refusal to address key issues during negotiations. This reluctance has left staff wondering if their concerns are being taken seriously or if they’ve simply been uncorked and left to sit on the shelf. In a fight for better conditions, they hope to flip the script and have their voices heard loud and clear, even if it means a temporary pause in their service to the community.

As the community awaits the outcome of these negotiations, one can only hope that reason will prevail, and the SAQ employees find the most favorable deal. In the meantime, did you know that Quebec has the highest per capita wine consumption in Canada? Who knew that the connection between grapes and grievances could taste so good! Additionally, the SAQ is the largest buyer of alcohol in North America, so here's to hoping for a speedy resolution - not just for the employees but for all of us looking to enjoy a good glass of wine at the end of a long day!