Union members of the Quebec Cannabis Society (SQDC) demonstrated Friday outside François Legault’s office in Assumption to ask him to intervene in negotiations with the employer.
Workers have now been on strike for nine months and have benefited from the support of several unions as well as the new Québec Federation of Labor (FTQ) President Magali Picard.
“Nine months on the road is enough! The SQDC must return to the negotiating table and make reasonable and acceptable offers. Employees should be proud of their employer, of working for this Crown company. But it is currently clear that this is not the case. The prime minister has a duty to call Crown Corporation to order,” she said.
SQDC employees earn $17 an hour when hired. More than 60% of them are redundant and enjoy few social benefits.
Members had rejected an offer from the company by 94% on December 6th.
“If we want Quebec to be as rich as Ontario, the SQDC should offer decent wages. We are available for negotiations. We want to find our jobs, but also make a decent living from our work,” said David Clément, President of the SQDC workers’ union.