Le Massif de Charlevoix announced Monday it was forced to prematurely end its operations after its unionized employees, on an unlimited general strike since Jan. 2, rejected the two scenarios put forward by management for returning to work.
“After having pulled Le Massif out of a precarious financial situation more than 23 years ago, we note today, with great sadness, that Le Massif de Charlevoix, a regional flagship and four-season international recreational tourism destination, 100 per cent owned by Quebec interests and generating more than 525 direct jobs, is once again seeing its future threatened,” explained Claude Choquette, president of Groupe Le Massif, in a press release.
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The press release states the employees’ refusal to return to work is preventing the ski resort from providing artificial snowmaking across the entire mountain to ensure safe conditions for users, making “the continuation of the season unviable.”
“This operation is strictly regulated, requiring that the reservoir be filled by January 31 at the latest,” the press release reads. “To meet this legal deadline, a swift resumption of operations was essential before January 20.”
The collective agreement for these employees expired on Dec. 31. Wages are one of the main sticking points between the two parties.
In addition to wages, the union, which represents some 300 mountain employees, also has demands regarding subcontracting, sick leave, safety, and vacation time.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
