On the Picket Line

Rona home improvement store workers strike over wages, hours

By Katy LeRougetel
May 27, 2024

MONTREAL — “In April our strike vote was approved by 98%,” Massara Kamagate, Confederation of National Trade Unions shop steward at the Rona home improvement big-box store in Anjou, told the Militant May 9.

The 172 union members walked out on a one-day strike May 4. In response, the bosses locked them out. Since then, lively picket lines with music and dancing are up from early morning to 9 p.m. every day.

The boss is offering raises of only 1.5% per year over a six-year contract, Kamagate said. “The union is asking for 5% a year — $1 an hour. Right now, the top rate is $21.51 an hour [US$15.75], even after 30 years.”

“Forklift drivers get no extra bonus,” said Stephane Martin. “I’ve driven specialized forklifts in printshops, at the port. There’s no recognition.”

Some workers have full-time jobs of either 40 or 34 hours per week, the rest are part time. Management wants to eliminate the 15 remaining 40-hour-a-week full-time positions.

The Rona hardware chain operates 425 stores in Canada with 22,000 employees. Workers in different stores are organized by a number of unions.

“This is the first time there’s been a strike in a Rona,” union member Michel Potvin said. “We’ll be an example for the others.”

“This is a fight for respect,” Melina Gluch said.

Gabriel Chenier, a 20-year-old student, has worked at Rona for a year. He fist-bumped other part-timers. “I voted for the strike. It’s good to do this to improve the atmosphere at work,” he said.

Recently taken over by U.S. private equity firm Sycamore, Rona recently laid off 500 employees systemwide and closed a Quebec distribution center. Home improvement business owners raked in double-digit profit increases during the pandemic, but as inflation has sapped working people revenue has dropped.

Union members welcome support. Drop by the line at the Galeries d’Anjou shopping center or send a message to infofc@csn.qc.ca.