Use of replacement workers souring talks
The Confédération des Syndicats Nationaux (CSN) is calling a one-day strike on Sept. 9 to try to break the impasse it sees in co-ordinated bargaining in the Quebec hotel sector.
On Aug. 29, the day following the announcement, workers at the Hilton-Bonaventure in Montreal occupied the lobby of the hotel to protest the slow pace of negotiations.
Three hotels in Montreal locked out CSN members starting in July and August: the Hyatt Regency, the Holiday Inn Select Sinomonde and the Hotel Espresso. On Aug. 29 a fourth, the Maritime, also began a lock-out.
The CSN reports that government inspectors have identified a number of replacement workers at the Hyatt Regency. The use of replacement workers during a strike is illegal in Quebec.
Among the union’s demands are better job protection, wage increases and increased employer pension contributions.
The CSN represents 5,500 employees of 35 hotels across Quebec.
