Le Massif de Charlevoix, QC, Shuts Down For Season After Labor Strike Negotiations Fail

Le Massif de Charlevoix has now closed for the season after labor negotiations with its unionized workforce collapsed, ending weeks of uncertainty at one of eastern Canada’s flagship ski resorts. The Quebec resort, located northeast of Quebec City along the St. Lawrence River, confirmed Monday that it would shut down operations for the remainder of the winter after failing to reach a new collective agreement with roughly 300 unionized employees, according to The Canadian Press. Workers represented by the Syndicat des travailleuses et travailleurs du Massif, affiliated with the CSN, have been on an unlimited general strike since January 2.

Management said continuing the season had become unsustainable after employees rejected both a proposed contract and an offer to move the dispute to arbitration. According to The Canadian Press and CBC News, resort officials said operations would have needed to resume by Tuesday to maintain safe conditions, including continued snowmaking through the end of the month. Without an agreement in place, the resort concluded it could not meet safety and operating standards.

The collective agreement expired on December 31, with wages identified as the primary sticking point in negotiations. The union has also sought changes related to subcontracting, sick leave, workplace safety, and vacation policies. Le Massif had warned over the weekend that a closure was likely if no agreement was reached by January 20. A conciliator had attempted to move both sides toward a settlement, but talks ultimately broke down.

Days into the strike, management had announced a partial reopening of some trails using replacement staff, but those limited operations will now cease. The closure now subsequently brings an abrupt end to the 2025-26 season at one of Quebec’s most prominent ski areas, dealing a significant blow to employees, visitors, and the regional winter tourism economy.