SAQ Employees Stage Province-Wide Strike in Quebec

On Thursday, employees from the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) initiated a province-wide strike, potentially impacting access to wine and spirits for many residents planning social gatherings. The 5,500 members of the Syndicat des employé-es de magasins et de bureaux (SEMB-SAQ-CSN) have been operating without a collective bargaining agreement since March 31, 2023.

Lisa Courtemanche, the president of the union, expressed frustration in a public statement, saying, “We feel cheated. It’s been two years of discussions and now the employer is presenting financial offers under conditions that require us to accept significant concessions while demanding the withdrawal of our requests. It simply does not make sense.”

The first vice-president of the CSN, François Enault, added to the grievances, highlighting the precarious nature of jobs at the SAQ. “Nearly 70% of employees work part-time and on-call, and it takes 12 years to secure a regular position. No business model in Quebec relies as heavily on workforce instability. It’s entirely legitimate to seek stable positions and curb part-time work,” he stated.

The union has signaled that further updates will be provided throughout the day. Earlier instances of strike action, such as in April, had left some stores operational under the management of non-union staff. A similar approach is anticipated this time, with the SAQ confirming, “We will deploy our business continuity plan,” as stated in an official communication to La Presse.

The disagreement centers around wage negotiations, with the union seeking an 18% increase over three years, indexed to inflation, while the employer proposes a 16.5% rise over six years. Currently, SAQ cashiers, who are among the lowest-paid union members, earn between $21.50 and $28.15 per hour, according to the union.

The union will continue its mobilization efforts until the demands are addressed satisfactorily at the negotiation table. Strikers have been forming picket lines outside open branches without obstructing access for customers. Lisa Courtemanche encouraged Quebeckers to stock up, noting that anything could happen, and apologized for potential inconvenience.