In a context of labor shortage, companies will have to unfold the dollars to compensate employees who will be on forced leave due to the closure of Route 138 for the visit of Pope Francis to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré .
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The company Les Roulottes E. Turmel, which sells and repairs recreational vehicles in Château-Richer, will pay its workers even if they can stay quiet while watching the Mass of the Holy Father on television.
“We’re closing, and I’m the one who pays for the day’s work with the current labor shortage, I can’t afford to tell them: ‘you’re arrested for a day without being paid'”, explains owner Suzie Turmel, who will be the only one to walk to work on July 28.
The businesswoman could not precisely quantify the financial losses caused by the Pope’s visit that day. But, with about thirty employees and the mechanical workshop which runs at full speed during the summer, the abyss could reach $10,000.
Speaking with several workers on boulevard Sainte-Anne, between Boischatel and Beaupré, Le Journal found that not all companies would apply this mitigating measure for their employees.
Some confirmed, with dismay, that they would not be paid for this lost day of work.
45 cancellations
For Camping Turmel too, the Pope’s visit will result in a financial hole.
Since authorities announced the closure of Route 138 last week, 45 holidaymakers have canceled their reservations for July 28, while five others are undecided at this time, but could also put a cross on their getaway to Parc de la Chute-Montmorency or in Charlevoix.
“We, as responsible owners, decided to call our customers to advise them […] A lot of people who arrived for one night and left the next day, it changes their plans a lot”, confirms Cynthia Laberge, manager of this campsite located in Château-Richer.
Disgruntled seasonal workers
She adds that he will also be forced to close his pool because the lifeguard will not be able to get to his place of work.
For its part, the snack bar will be in operation because the owner-tenant of the restaurant will sleep in a trailer that will be lent to him, on the site.
Seasonal campers don’t find it funny either, especially those who have to commute to work. Some have taken leave, and others will sleep at home.
“The seasonal workers are unhappy […] There are a lot of people working. Like me in the morning, I work and I’m going to take my three children to their day camp in Vanier, so it’s three days lost at my expense,” laments Ms. Laberge.
