Supermarket's bargaining - Valu-Mart's workers in Shawville are on unlimited
general strike

SHAWVILLE, QC, Dec. 3 /CNW Telbec/ - Since yesterday, december 2, the workers at Valu-Mart in Shawville, town in the Pontiac region, are on an unlimited general strike. Facing an employer who is refusing to consider their demands, they are determinated to reach an acceptable agreement, if to do so, they have to stay outside.

Their demands are mainly those included in the union platform for other supermarkets. The union only local request is for better boots in the workplace. After four bargaining sessions, the management filed an offer that was clearly inadequate. They offer weak wage raises that doesn't even cover the cost of living. The employer is asking a six years agreement.

According to Karen Cartman, president "We are prepared to invest all the time and effort necessary to achieve our goal. We want an agreement that reflects our collective demands and we expect to get what other stores our size received".

"Our membership is very strong and united and we are working as hard as possible to obtain an agreement. The company knows where we stand. We made a very fair proposal and it was turned down", added the union's president.

Le Syndicat des travailleuses et des travailleurs du Valu-Mart is affiliated with the Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN), the Fédération du Commerce - CSN and with the Conseil central des syndicats nationaux de l'Outaouais.

For further information:

Source : CSN

For further information :
Lynn Chamberland, union advisor CSN, 819 664-8277