GRANBY,
QC, July 29, 2024 /CNW/ - The Zoo de
Granby today issued a lockout
notice, resulting in a work stoppage for the approximately 130
employees who are members of the CSN and had been engaging in
intermittent strikes since July 9 and adopted an unlimited
strike mandate on Friday, July 26. The vast majority of the
Zoo's employees remain on duty, and the Zoo has made all necessary
arrangements to ensure a quality experience for all visitors. This
includes implementation of a reduced admission fee for the duration
of the lockout. The wildlife park, the Amazoo water park, the
amusement park, and all visitor services, including restaurants and
shops, remain open from 10 AM to 7 PM every day.
Paul Gosselin, CEO of the Zoo de
Granby, explained that the
decision to resort to a lockout ensures stability for the
well-being of the animals and provides predictability for the
managers currently performing the work of the striking employees.
"With an unlimited strike mandate that could be effective without
notice, it is impossible for us to operate the site efficiently
under the threat of a service interruption at any moment. We have
therefore chosen to take action to ensure the quality of the
customer experience, but also and above all, the well-being of the
animals under our care."
On Monday, July 22nd,
the Zoo de Granby submitted a
comprehensive offer to the employees involved in the labour dispute
in the hope of quickly reaching a mutually beneficial agreement for
all concerned. "This labour dispute and its consequences on our
non-profit organization exacerbate our financial vulnerability in a
post-pandemic context. We hope that ensuring stability during this
summer season will enable us to avoid delaying significant
development projects tied to the Zoo's mission of Acting for the
Preservation of the Animal World, while maintaining its tourist
appeal. Our decisions are guided by the need to ensure the
long-term viability of our mission and our organization," concluded
Mr. Gosselin.
Consult the Labour dispute info page for further
information on the current labour dispute.
About the Zoo de Granby
The Zoo de Granby is a
non-profit organization founded in 1953, with a mission to act for
the preservation of the animal world. It features a wildlife park
with nearly 1,500 animals, a water park called Amazoo, and an
amusement park. During the peak tourist season, the Zoo employs
nearly 1,000 people.
SOURCE Zoo de Granby