Le Massif de Charlevoix announced in a press release on Saturday that if an agreement with the union is not reached by Jan. 20, the mountain will likely have to close for the season.
In the press release, Le Massif de Charlevoix stated that it is important to “operate the mountain at full capacity, under adequate conditions, in order to offer an experience that meets its standards.” If this is not possible, Le Massif warned that it would be forced to close.
Le Massif has taken note of the desire of the Syndicat des travailleuses et travailleurs du Massif, affiliated with the CSN, to continue the mediation process. On Friday, the conciliator invited both parties to submit additional information that could help them reach an agreement by Jan. 20.
“The minimum expectation is that the settlement framework prepared by the conciliator be presented to employees and put to a vote,” said Claude Choquette, president of Groupe Le Massif, in the same press release.
“Le Massif de Charlevoix needs to know the position of the union and employees quickly. If there is no agreement, arbitration remains an option.”
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Union members were informed of the employer’s decision late Friday afternoon via an Info-négo bulletin. They have been invited to a special general meeting where they will be able to review the proposed settlement and vote on it. The date of the meeting has not yet been set.
“However, we must note that this solution shows that the employer is still unwilling to recognize the true value of our work or to make the necessary compromises,” reads the Info-négo message sent by the union’s bargaining and mobilization committees. Instead, it is choosing to use ultimatums and threats to try to break us and force us back to work on our knees.”
Both Groupe Le Massif and the Syndicat des travailleuses et travailleurs du Massif have declined to comment further on the situation.
The collective agreement for these employees expired on Dec. 31. The wage issue is one of the main sticking points between the two parties.
In addition to the wage issue, the union, which represents some 300 mountain employees, also has demands concerning subcontracting, sick leave, safety, and vacations.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
