SAM Magazine—Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, Quebec, Jan. 5, 2026—Following the expiration of their collective agreement, roughly 300 union-represented employees at Le Massif de Charlevoix went on strike, Friday, Jan. 2, forcing the resort to close all operations including lifts, food services, retail, and tobogganing.
Credit: Conseil central de Québec Chaudière-Appalaches - CSN Le Massif has been shut down since then but will resume limited operations Jan. 7.
There has been seemingly little movement from either side to end the strike.
The Canadian Press reported that Le Massif had made two offers regarding wages leading up to the contract expiration date of Dec. 31, which the union—Syndicat des travailleuses et travailleurs du Massif (Massif Workers’ Union), an affiliate of the Confederation of National Trade Unions (CSN)—rejected.
The union made one counteroffer that the resort said included wage increases that “represent an overbid compared to market rates.” Le Massif also reportedly said it believes the union never presented either of its offers to employees.
Union members initially planned for a 10-day strike mandate if a new contract wasn’t agreed upon. The union said last week that Le Massif officials had stopped negotiating, according to reports. Following the first day of the strike Friday night, 95 percent of the 111 union members that voted approved an unlimited general strike, leaving the resort shutdown an open-ended scenario.
Massif Workers’ Union president Annick Simard said in a statement: “The employer made it clear that our 10-day mandate did not concern them. It was therefore obvious to us that a stronger mandate would be necessary to get them back to the negotiating table.”
In a press release on Saturday, the resort questioned how quickly the union went on strike, given the timing of the previous agreement’s expiration. “We are in a normal negotiation period, and the decision to use an indefinite strike at the beginning of the process seems particularly hasty,” said Groupe Le Massif executive vice president Charles-Antoine Choquette.
In addition to wages, other issues the union would like to see addressed include subcontracting, sick leave, safety, and vacation time.
“In order to minimize the impact of the ongoing strike by the union representing a portion of its employees on guests and the local community, Le Massif de Charlevoix will resume partial and capacity-controlled operations beginning [with operational testing,] January 6, 2026,” said the resort in a statement shared with SAM.
After testing is completed, Le Massif will open for Wednesday-Saturday operations on the Camp-Boule sector of the mountain this week and Tuesday-Saturday in subsequent weeks if the strike continues. Access will be limited to season pass holders, ski-and-stay package guests booked in Le Massif de Charlevoix-managed properties, and Club Med Québec-Charlevoix guests.
“This gradual approach allows the resort to resume activities in a responsible manner while ensuring a safe environment for guests and staff,” said the resort.
While pass holders and guests staying in on-mountain accommodation will be able access part of the resort for skiing and riding, no on-mountain services will be available. Cafeteria and bar services, the repair workshop, and the retail shop remain closed. While Le Massif did not specify which departments or positions were held by union members, another source said all departments have unionized employees. The resort is refunding lift tickets, lessons, and rentals that cannot be used during the shutdown.
In its statement, Le Massif thanked guests for “their understanding and cooperation,” adding that “The organization remains committed to providing a high-quality mountain experience while upholding the highest standards of safety and responsible management.”
The resort opened for skiing and riding Dec. 6 and had been enjoying a strong start to the season. As of Dec. 27, more than half of its trails were open (28 of 53), which was almost twice as many as the same date last season, a resort spokesperson told The Canadian Press.
