Strike and Complaint at Renaud-Bray: A Long-Standing Dispute Over Working Conditions
The situation at Renaud-Bray has escalated recently, as employees at the company's Laurier Québec and Galeries de la Capitale locations have gone on strike once again, this time for a four-day period. This comes just a week after a two-day strike, and despite multiple attempts by the workers to engage in dialogue, the company has not responded to their concerns. The workers, represented by the Syndicat des travailleurs et travailleuses de Librairie Renaud-Bray–CSN, are frustrated by the lack of progress in negotiations and the company's failure to address key issues that have been raised over the past year.
At the heart of the dispute are wages. Many of the employees, even those with over 10 years of service, are earning only marginally more than the minimum wage, which currently stands at $15.75 per hour. The workers are demanding a wage increase to $1.15 above the minimum wage for store clerks and $1.40 above the minimum wage for booksellers. They are also seeking a more structured wage progression based on years of service.
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Beyond wages, there are also concerns over working conditions, particularly around training and breaks. Employees have reported that they are not provided with adequate training to meet customer needs or to stay informed about new books and prices. One employee shared that they have to research book prices themselves, as the company doesn't supply this information. Additionally, workers are dissatisfied with the brief breaks offered, particularly for shifts lasting five hours. A 10-minute break for a long shift, especially when there's no time for a meal, is seen as inadequate.
The company has also been accused of attempting to undermine the union's efforts. There are reports that Renaud-Bray has used "strikebreakers," or temporary workers, to fill in during the strike. The union has filed a formal complaint with the Tribunal administratif du travail, claiming that the company violated labor laws by using new hires during negotiations. Furthermore, the union has accused Renaud-Bray of interfering with union activities, such as expelling the union president from the workplace on two separate occasions.
For their part, Renaud-Bray has responded by focusing on union actions rather than engaging in meaningful negotiations. The company has reportedly taken steps to discredit the union instead of presenting real offers at the negotiation table. This situation has led to further tension, with union representatives calling for the company to respect the legal framework that governs labor relations in Quebec.
The union and employees remain resolute, demanding that the company negotiate in good faith and address their concerns. The workers' union leadership has made it clear that they are determined to improve their working conditions and are not willing to back down without significant changes. The strike continues to impact operations, especially during a busy shopping period, and the workers are calling on the public to support their cause by respecting the picket lines.
This ongoing dispute, which has lasted for over a year, is a clear indication of the growing dissatisfaction among employees, and it remains to be seen whether Renaud-Bray will take meaningful steps toward resolving the issues that have led to the strikes. A meeting between the union and the company is scheduled for December 3, but the union has indicated they are open to negotiations sooner if the company is willing to come to the table with real solutions.
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