One-day strike at Granby Zoo, remains open to visitors

Some 130 workers at Granby Zoo launched a one-day strike Tuesday morning, denouncing the slowness of negotiations when it comes to the renewal of their collective agreement. But the popular attraction in Quebec’s Eastern Townships remains open to visitors.

The workers concerned, who are members of a union of the Fédération du Commerce, affiliated with the CSN, were given a 10-day strike mandate last week to be exercised at the appropriate time.

These include office staff, animal care technicians, mechanics, carpenters and more.

Last week, the union reported that barely 10 per cent of the normative clauses had been settled and that the parties had not yet addressed the salary issue. The last collective agreement for the workers concerned expired on Dec. 31.

Among the points in dispute the union says, are seasonal employment status and access to positions linked to seniority.

The union assures that its pressure tactics will not have a negative impact on the health of the animals.

For its part, Granby Zoo management confirmed Tuesday that its animal park, its water park and its amusement park remain open despite the strike, as do visitor services such as restaurants and shops.

In its own statement, management said it respects the right of striking employees “to express their concerns.” Assuring that they are doing everything in their power to “quickly resolve this conflict through a mutually beneficial agreement for all parties concerned.”

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews