Couche-Tard Accused of Closing Store Due to Union Drive

MONTREAL -- One of Quebec's biggest unions is accusing convenience store operator Alimentation Couche-Tard of closing down one of its convenience stores where employees were trying to unionize, putting 13 employees out of work, The Canadian Press reported.

"The message that we want to give to Couche-Tard's management is that this will not intimidate employees who were in the process of unionizing throughout Quebec in a number of Couche-Tards," said Jean Lortie, of the Confederation des syndicats nationaux.

Couche-Tard said in a statement the Montreal convenience store was closed because it wasn't profitable. "Despite measures to turn around the situation, the location in question didn't meet the standards established by the company and also wasn't profitable," Couche-Tard stated. There was no other choice but to "go ahead with its immediate closure."

Couche-Tard has more than 5,800 stores in Canada and the United States and employs 53,000 people. It operates a number of convenience store banners, including Couche-Tard, Mac's, Circle K, 7-jours, Dairy Mart, Daisy Mart and Winks. The Laval, Quebec-based company is also the master franchise holder for Dunkin' Donuts quick-service restaurants in Quebec.