It seems that Loto-Québec operations are on their way to return to normal, as the Crown agency reaches a deal in principle with its professional staff members. The workers went on a strike just a few days ago after already rejecting one offer from their employer. However, it remains to be seen whether the employees will be willing to accept the new terms in the upcoming days.
On Tuesday, the independent Syndicat des professionnels du gouvernement du Québec union announced that after the latest discussions with the Crown corporation, both parties have reached an arrangement on a new collective contract for the 455 professional employees. Further details have not been yet released to the public as they will be shown to the staff first.
In addition to that, SPGQ stated that it will be hosting a general meeting with its members in the upcoming days where it will discuss it with them. Then staff members will vote on whether to accept it or reject it. As already noted, the previous agreement in principle from the end of August was rejected by the staff, as 72% of the unionized members voted against it.
Vice-President of the SPGQ, Lydia Martel, commented on the previous deal and said that one of the main reasons for the refusal of the terms by the members was the proposed salary bump. She explained that the offered 2% salary increase in the current financial landscape, has felt like a slap in the face for the staff, as it is not close enough to battle the current rates of inflation.
Another problem for the professionals was the limitation of telework, as the tentative agreement stated that it was authorized up to four days a week for the first 30 months. However, after that, it was not certain. Some of the protesting workers include ones from procurement, information technology, communications, sales and marketing, finance, real estate and the legal departments
Cause of Delay for New Product
This week, Canada launched a new and improved version of its vastly popular Lotto 6/49 game. However, this was not the case for Loto-Québec, which informed that due to the professionals’ strike the integration of the new offering will not be possible and was delayed. In addition to that, the company also suspended draws from the game after its last round on September 10, 2022.
The Crown commented that the game cannot continue in its current form due to all other provinces launching the new version, therefore it has no other choice but to suspend activities for the game until further notice. Players must know that validation of tickets from the game will not be possible at retailers or on the official app from September 11, 2022.
https://www.canadiancasinos.ca/news/loto-quebec-reaches-tentative-agreement-with-professional-staff/