Union applies to certify another Quebec Wal-Mart

A union has filed applications to certify workers at a Wal-mart store in Gatineau, Que.

The United Food and Commercial Workers Canada union tabled two certification applications with the Quebec Labour Relations Commission to represent workers in the main section of the Wal-Mart store in Gatineau, as well as for store's Tire and Lube Express shop.

The same union earlier filed certification applications for three other Wal-Marts in Quebec – one in Jonquière, one in Saint-Hyacinthe, and one in Brossard.

Wal-Mart created a storm of controversy when it subsequently announced that the Jonquière store would be closed because it didn't make money – a claim the union called nonsense.

Wal-Mart has consistently opposed all efforts to unionize its employees. It was found guilty last month of harassing employees during an organizing drive at its store in Ste-Foy, outside Quebec City.

"We salute the courage and the determination of these workers who, despite Wal-Mart's intimidation tactics, are asserting their right to unionize," said Guy Chenier, president of UFCW Canada Local 486.

An attempt to certify a union at a Wal-Mart in Windsor Ontario suffered a setback earlier this month when workers voted against forming a union by a margin of almost three-to-one.

In that case, both union and Wal-Mart management filed unfair labour practice charges, each accusing the other side of intimidation.