Renaud-Bray Closes Galeries de la Capitale Location: What It Means for Local Shoppers
## Renaud-Bray Closes Galeries de la Capitale Outlet Amidst Ongoing Labor Dispute
On Thursday, employees of Renaud-Bray were informed of the permanent closure of the store at Galeries de la Capitale via a communication from the employer, which Emegypt has obtained. The bookstore chain officially decided not to reopen this location following a protracted labor dispute that started with an unlimited strike on December 6, 2024. Initially, in January, the management decided to temporarily close the Galeries bookstore and reduce hours at the Laurier Québec branch, also affected by the strike. Despite the closure on October 19, the company assures that employment links remain intact.
Laurier Québec Branch to Absorb Staff
According to the communication, employees will exceptionally continue their work at the Renaud-Bray branch in Laurier Québec starting Monday, October 20, 2025. The company states that employment conditions will remain unchanged, and seniority will be acknowledged. This transition aims to maintain stability for the workforce amidst ongoing disruptions.
Union Expresses Concerns Over Strategic Moves
As this closure unfolds, the Archambault store located on Lebourgneuf Boulevard, opposite Galeries de la Capitale, has undergone a rebranding by adding Renaud-Bray signage in recent weeks. Blaise Renaud, who has owned both chains since 2015, appears to be consolidating operations.
Barbara Poirier, President of the Conseil central de Québec-Chaudière-Appalaches of the Confederation of National Trade Unions (CSN), voiced concerns. “We are not fooled: Renaud-Bray is shedding the union to continue exploiting its employees by paying them barely above minimum wage,” she stated in a written declaration.
Upcoming Legal Challenges Over Closure
Caroline Senneville, President of the CSN, described the closure amidst the labor conflict as “a direct violation of the right to collective bargaining.” She emphasized that the CSN plans to contest the closure with the same determination as in their ongoing challenges against Amazon for illegal closures.
As of the writing, Renaud-Bray’s management has not responded to Emegypt’s inquiries regarding the situation.
Stepping Into a Year of Stalemate Negotiations
The collective agreement for the 60 employees at the two bookstores—Galeries de la Capitale and Laurier Québec—expired on December 31, 2023. Negotiations, which began in November 2023, have stalled mainly due to salary demands. The majority of the staff earn only slightly above minimum wage despite years of service.
- On November 13, 2024, employees voted 85% in favor of a strike mandate, potentially leading to an unlimited general strike.
- The strike was officially initiated in early December.
- The employer’s latest offer was rejected by 93% of the union members, leaving discussions at an impasse, according to Jimmy Demers, President of the Syndicate of Renaud-Bray Bookstore Workers-CSN, on September 27.
