Le Massif ski resort in the Charlevoix region of Quebec is set to welcome back skiers this Saturday after a three-week-long strike by its unionized employees came to an end. The union members approved a contract proposal by a significant margin of 91% following the involvement of a conciliator. The resort confirmed that employees will return to work on Friday, with operations resuming the next day, thanks to the efforts of the conciliation team in facilitating an agreement that addresses both parties’ concerns.
The appointment of a conciliator was necessary after negotiations hit an impasse, leading to the intervention by the Labour Ministry. Union president Annick Simard expressed satisfaction with the agreement, emphasizing the importance of preserving the winter season. The new collective agreement includes measures to protect against inflation, ensuring wage increases align with economic changes.
Simard highlighted the substantial benefits for workers, including cumulative wage increases totaling 19% over five years. The agreement reflects the employees’ desires for improved working conditions and salaries. Meanwhile, local businesses, like the owners of L’épicerie du village, have welcomed the news of the ski resort reopening, as the closure had negatively impacted the community’s economy.
Mayor Serge Bilodeau of Petite-Rivière-Saint-François expressed optimism about regaining lost tourism revenue due to the strike. Despite acknowledging the challenges faced during the closure, Simard reassured the community that with the fresh snowfall, the season is far from over.