The conflict between Loto-Québec and its professional staff has been resolved this week, as the two parties shook hands on a new collective agreement. The deal was ratified by the workers on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, and it is set to be in effect for six years. In addition to that, workers are required to be in the office only four days a month.
The Crown corporation’s 455 professionals are represented by the Syndicat des professionnels du gouvernement du Québec. They already rejected one agreement in principle between the union and the employer at the end of August, thus leading to a general strike, which affected operations for the Crown. However, they have not returned to their positions.
The New Contract
Shortly, after the announcement of the agreement between the union and the employer, the Crown corporation shared some more details on it. The arrangement states that the 455 workers will be now required to work from the office only four days a month. Also, the SPGQ informed that the majority of the workers were fond of the terms as 96% of them voted to accept it.
In addition to that, the union explained that the new collective agreement will be in effect until December 31, 2027. It grants a salary increase of 2% per year for the duration of the contract as well as some bonuses and lump sums. This includes a 1% lump sum for 2022, a 2.5% lump to be paid upon signing of the contract, and a 6.5% lump sum for 2022.
According to the union, the last lump sum for 2022, will be paid in 2022. Then, there are also retention bonuses of 1% per year, which will be paid in 2024, and 2025. Last but not least, there will be a 10% in bonus for 35 employees. Also, the new requirement for only four days at the office will be in power for telecommuting department.
The new contract states that the working week will now increase to 37.5 hours from the previous 35 hours. Both the union and the employer are satisfied with the compact for their members. The Crown agency’s management shared that it was pleased to have reached a responsible agreement with its professional staff while meeting the objectives of both sides.
After the two sides finally agreed on a new collective agreement, the Crown agency reported that draws for Lotto 6/49 are now restarted. Due to the general strike, the Crown had to delay the launch of a new and improved version of the game. It has now resumed on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, and despite the new rules of the game, tickets remained at CA$3 per entry.
Opening New Facilities Across Quebec
Back in July Loto-Québec also announced that it will be launching a brand-new Kinzo hall in Longueuil. The new venue is now operational and it is located at 1591 Boulevard Roland-Therrien. It comes with a 72-player capacity and it is based right next to the Crown’s bingo hall. According to the company, the two will provide funding to 17 non-profit organizations in the region.
Source: “Loto-Québec staff required to be in the office only 4 days a month” CTV News, September 20, 2022
