Le Massif in Quebec’s Charlevoix region will reopen its mountain to skiers Saturday following the end of a three-week-long unlimited strike by its unionized employees.
Union members voted 91 per cent in favour of a contract proposal presented by the conciliator Thursday afternoon.
In an emailed statement, Le Massif de Charlevoix said staff will return to work Friday and the mountain will resume operations the following day. It acknowledged the contribution of the conciliation team, whose efforts enabled the parties to reach common ground.
“Reached under tight timelines, the agreement addresses the concerns of both parties and makes it possible to preserve the winter season,” read the statement.
A conciliator was appointed on Tuesday by the Labour Ministry due to an impasse in negotiations.
“We’re looking ahead,” said workers’ union president Annick Simard in an emailed statement.
She said she’s extremely pleased with the agreement and is looking forward to reopening the mountain.
She noted that the last few years have been marked by skyrocketing inflation. The new collective agreement provides for an inflation protection mechanism, according to the union. It would allow for wage increases to be enhanced if the price index exceeds the negotiated raises.
It’s a considerable increase, said Simard, speaking with reporters after the vote. The agreement provides cumulative annual increases totalling 19 per cent over five years.
On Monday, Le Massif shuttered its ski area for the season after failing to come to an agreement with unionized employees on a new contract.
