Le Massif, located in Quebec’s Charlevoix region, is set to welcome back skiers this Saturday after a three-week-long strike by its unionized workers came to an end. The union members overwhelmingly approved a contract proposal, with 91 percent voting in favor, that was presented by a conciliator on Thursday afternoon. Le Massif de Charlevoix announced in an email that employees will return to work on Friday and the mountain will resume operations the following day, thanks to the efforts of the conciliation team in facilitating an agreement that addresses the concerns of both parties and ensures the continuity of the winter season.
Following a deadlock in negotiations, a conciliator was appointed by the Labour Ministry on Tuesday to mediate discussions. The union president, Annick Simard, expressed satisfaction with the agreement, emphasizing the importance of preserving the winter season amid rising inflation. The new collective agreement includes an inflation protection mechanism that allows for enhanced wage increases if the price index surpasses the negotiated raises. Simard highlighted the substantial improvements in working conditions and salaries achieved through the agreement, which includes cumulative annual wage increases totaling 19 percent over a five-year period.
The closure of Le Massif earlier in the week due to the labor dispute had significant repercussions on the local economy, leading to concerns from businesses and mayors about the impact on tourism. The owners of a nearby grocery store, Stéphane Coutu and Lison Harrisson, expressed relief upon learning about the resolution of the strike, as the mountain’s closure had affected their business. The mayor of Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, Que., where Le Massif is located, expressed optimism about recovering lost tourism revenues post-strike.
Despite the challenges faced during the strike, Simard acknowledged the impact on various stakeholders and emphasized that the union’s goal was not to see the mountain closed. With the ski season back in full swing and fresh snow on the slopes, the focus now shifts to recovering from the strike’s disruptions and ensuring a successful winter season ahead.
