The ski season at a popular resort northeast of Quebec City may see a glimmer of hope. Following the resort’s announcement of the season’s cancellation, management at Le Massif de Charlevoix and its unionized employees have been summoned to a meeting promptly.
Claude Choquette, president of Groupe Le Massif, revealed that a meeting was arranged at the behest of the chief conciliator and the conciliator to address the ongoing situation. The urgency to reach a resolution by week’s end remains a top priority.
Earlier this week, Le Massif ceased operations for the season due to the failure to reach a consensus with unionized employees regarding a new contract. The union members have been on an indefinite general strike since January 2 and turned down the employer’s offer to renew the collective agreement on Monday.
However, the likelihood of a forthcoming meeting between the involved parties has sparked a glimmer of optimism. The union expressed its optimism for a potential resolution.
Management emphasized the need to continue artificial snow-making by the month’s end to ensure safe skiing conditions. With employees rejecting both a contract offer and arbitration proposal, sustaining the ski season became unfeasible.
The collective agreement for the 300 employees expired on December 31, with wage issues being a major sticking point during negotiations. Additionally, the union had specific demands concerning subcontracting, sick leave, safety measures, and vacation time.
Serge Bilodeau, the mayor of Petite-Rivière-Saint-François where Le Massif is located, described the resort as a vital economic driver for the region. He highlighted the significant impact of the season’s closure on the area’s economy.
Businesses and locals have already felt the repercussions of the ski season’s cancellation, with some expressing concerns about the future. Tourists, like Ori Reiss and his son from the U.K., were taken aback by the abrupt end to the season, impacting their plans and expectations.
Despite the challenges posed by the strike and subsequent closure, stakeholders in the region are exploring alternate ways to promote tourism, showcasing the diverse attractions beyond the ski slopes.