Quebec microdistilleries threatened by low sales due to SAQ labour dispute
The labour dispute between the management of the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) and its warehouse workers has been "catastrophic" for Quebec's microdistilleries, according to the Union québécoise des microdistilleries (UQMD).
It argues despite previous strike action by SAQ workers, microdistilleries are still being forced to pay a markup equivalent to a 52 per cent "buy local" tax on spirits sold on their sites and says urgent government action is needed.
"Our companies are at the end of their rope. We were already deprived of revenues from the mark-up for onsite sales," said Jonathan Roy, UQMD president. "We are struggling to hire new employees, acquire equipment, invest in our markets to ensure sustainability or even pay ourselves a salary."
The union insists the 52 per cent surcharge levied by the government is unjustified because the microdistilleries manage their own stores, labour and the handling of bottles.
It points out adjusting the mark-up percentage would remedy the significant decrease in sales for microdistilleries caused by the labour dispute.
"Although the government has been promising for four years to correct the situation, UQMD and its members are still waiting for concrete action," the union noted, adding it denounced these regulations six months ago.
UQMD points out the holiday season represents up to 50 per cent of spirits sales and it wants the government to implement "exceptional measures" to alleviate supply difficulties.
"This is a time when we could be benefiting from the boom in our sector. The government must put an end to this injustice if it really wishes, as it says, to preserve our industry," Roy argued. "The survival of our companies is at stake."
The union is inviting Quebecers to visit microdistilleries to purchase their spirits locally.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.