More than 400 striking workers in Molson Canada rejected an offer from the brewing company, which extended the strike limiting supplies to bar owners.
The Teamsters Canada union said the local union last week voted 92.4% against a collective agreement presented by the employer.
Teamsters spokeswoman Catherine Cosgrove said wage concerns remain at the forefront and center amid rising inflation, in addition to pension and working hours issues.
” Even if the contract looks good, workers need to make sure they don’t lose money by accepting it as presented. “
The parties have not sat down to negotiate since May 23, according to the union.
Molson Coors spokesman Francois Lefebvre said the rejected deal was its last offer since the strike broke out on March 25, when managers were forced to deliver beer under an emergency plan.
” This offer is more than generous. And this offer will see our employees become the highest paid in the entire beer industry in Quebec. Bars are hostage, in a way. “
Renaud Poulin, president of the Corporation des Propriétaires de Bars, Brasseries et Tavernes du Québec, said many bars in some of the province’s remote areas were running out of beer because of the strike, which continued for 73 days.
Pretty hard. Everyone ran out of beer. None of us have all brandshe explained.
Quebec’s administrative labor tribunal last month issued an interim order requiring Molson Canada to stop working on workers deemed scab until it hears a union complaint.
Source: Radio-Canada
