Quebec liquor store employees win hard-fought collective agreement

In Canada, specifically Quebec, a union representing over 5,000 liquor store employees achieved a new collective bargaining agreement, marking the end of a prolonged negotiation process that spanned two years. This significant breakthrough was reached after more than 2,300 members of the union participated in a vote, with 71 percent expressing their support for the proposed terms. The final agreement reflects the unions efforts to improve both the salary and working conditions of its members. Under the new contract, employee salaries are set to increase by nearly 20 percent over the next six years. In addition to the salary boost, the agreement addresses working conditions by making employee schedules more predictable, thus enhancing work-life balance for those affected. The union has also secured the creation of 60 additional wine adviser positions, which brings the total number of such roles from 155 to 215. This expansion indicates a growing recognition of the need for improved customer service and product expertise within the sales force at Quebec Liquor Corp. Another aspect of progress highlighted in the new contract pertains to part-time employees, who will benefit from improved access to insurance. This revision is particularly crucial given the increasing number of part-time positions that exist within the retail environment. The union president, Lisa Courtemanche, referred to the prior negotiations as challenging, characterized by an uncompromising employer; however, the newly secured contract reflects a commitment to achieving greater job security and an enhanced quality of life for the workers. The union's persistent efforts culminated in several organized strikes, totaling five days within the past eight months. These strikes underscored the workers’ determination to advocate for their rights and ultimately led to a stronger negotiating position. The resolution of these negotiations is significant not only for the current employees but also for setting a precedent for labor relations in the province's public sector.