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Strikers from Ben’s Delicatessen in Montreal held a demonstration December 5, complete with free, smoked meat sandwiches. 22 waiters, bus boys, and short-order cooks at Ben’s have been without a contract since February 2006 and on strike since July 20, shutting down the deli for more than five months.

They are demanding that Ben’s bargain fairly with their union, Syndicat des Travailleuses et Travailleurs de la Charcuterie Ben’s (CSN).

CSN is seeking a $.40 Cdn/per hour pay increase, retiree benefits, and severance pay. Strikers are also demanding air-conditioning and heating system repairs, as well as other workplace improvements. Ben’s management has refused to bargain with the union.

Ben’s has been open for 98 years. This is the first strike ever at Montreal’s landmark eatery, where many claim smoked meat was invented.

Said CSN Ben’s President Charles Mendoza, “Ben’s has great heritage and tourism value for Montreal. It seems to me, however, that we’re losing yet another element of what made Montreal a unique city.”

Waiter Robert Mayrand, who has worked at Ben’s for 52 years, told SooToday.com, “I knew the founders of this restaurant, and if they were alive today they would be very sad to know that their life’s work is threatened.”

Demand that Ben’s come back to the bargaining table and give its waiters, bus boys and short-order cooks a good contract complete with severance pay and a raise. Ben’s also must improve the working conditions within its building. Sign the online petition at Ben's On Strike.

Expiration Date:
Wed, 01/31/2007 - 11:59pm