Trader Corporation locks out its advertising salespeople

MONTREAL, Feb. 7, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - TRADER Corporation, publisher of online media content and popular publications for the automotive industry (www.autotrader.ca and www.autohebdo.net), has locked out its approximately 20 advertising salespeople in Quebec. The barbaric act came suddenly and with no warning.

The employer's latest offer, which it had described not as final, but as its "best possible," was rejected by 77 percent of members. It should be noted that management's proposal did not even include a commission plan, standard in the field of sales.

The salespeople, who are organized under the Syndicat des employées et employés professionnels-les et de bureau, Local 574 (CTC-FTQ), are attempting to reach their first collective agreement with the company. The main issues are compensation and workload.

Late in 2013, the employer was found in violation of section 59 of Quebec's Labour Code when it unilaterally changed the salary conditions of its employees. Last week, the union requested a conciliator intervene to identify a solution acceptable to both parties. It is appalling that TRADER Corporation continues to turn a deaf ear to various proposals that would enable the company to gain momentum in a hyper-competitive market while giving its sales force adequate compensation for the work they do.

SEPB-Québec is a labour organization comprising 13 locals that represent 20,000 members, mainly office, technical and professional employees. SEPB-Québec is affiliated with the Quebec Federation of Labour (QFL/FTQ) and is part of the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union (COPE/SEPB).

SOURCE: Syndicat des employées et employés professionnels-les et de bureau (SEPB)

For further information:

Mathieu Mercier, 514 522-6511 ext. 234, [e-mail]