SAQ and SEMB union reach tentative agreement amid negotiations

In Canada, on November 26, 2024, the Sociétés des alcools du Québec (SAQ) announced a significant development following a meeting with the SEMB union, which represents store and office employees. The parties reached a tentative agreement as part of the process to renew their collective agreement. The details regarding this agreement are expected to be presented to the employees of the SAQ, allowing them to vote on the offer in the coming weeks. This announcement comes at a critical time just before the holiday season, indicating the importance of maintaining smooth operations for both employees and customers. The negotiations reflect an ongoing effort by the SAQ to ensure that their workforce is represented adequately and that the collective interests of the employees are taken into account. The SAQ expressed their gratitude towards customers for their understanding during the negotiation phase and reiterated their commitment to providing quality customer service despite the transitional period during which the agreement was reached. Additionally, the SAQ has made it clear that they are making every effort to uphold the standard of service their clientele expects. This agreement highlights the SAQ's role not just as a business entity, but also as a contributor to local communities, having remitted more than $2.2 billion to the Quebec government in the previous fiscal period and supporting various organizations and events. Therefore, the outcome of these negotiations may also have broader implications for the economy and community-connected projects that rely on the financial support of the SAQ. The next steps following this agreement will involve communicating with employees about the specifics of the offer, with an emphasis on ensuring that all relevant information is disseminated promptly to facilitate an informed voting process. As the deadline approaches for employees to cast their votes on the agreement, the SAQ is expected to intensify communication efforts to keep everyone updated.