2023-10-20 15:30:00
The visit of a man in possession of an imitation 9 mm pistol, coupled with numerous recent incidents of violence and aggression, raises fears for the safety of employees at an SAAQ agent.
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Despite a series of worrying events, the Crown corporation chose to remove the security guard stationed until recently at the Cowansville branch, managed by the local chamber of commerce.
On July 14, a man showed up on the scene in possession of an air rifle identical to a 9 mm pistol. A source sent the Journal a photo of the weapon, which caused a stir among employees, especially since the security guard had then left for dinner.
The man in question, however, suffered an epileptic seizure as he walked through the door, so it is impossible to know whether he intended to brandish the weapon or whether he simply had it in his hand. possession.
The individual, affirms the Sûreté du Québec, was accused of having disturbed the peace, under a municipal by-law. The officers first intervened to help the convulsing man, explains a spokesperson.
Numerous incidents
Asked to comment on the incident, the director general of the Chamber of Commerce says it is the culmination of a series of incidents. The attendants, deplores Marc-André Lacroix, are experiencing “an explosion of verbal and physical violence”.
In recent months, customers have punched Plexiglas, attacked those jumping in line and insulted employees.
Recently, a citizen showed up with a deceased person’s license cut in two. “She looked at the attendant and said to her: my big, incompetent c*lice, you have to deal with that,” relates the CEO.
“Since I arrived here, it’s a matter of time before something happens, that there is an injury or a death,” he breathes.
If the implementation of SAAQclic has heated up tempers, Marc-André Lacroix recognizes that other factors, such as the pandemic and the implementation of the hybrid formula with appointments and without appointments, have not helped.
Better paid at Burger King
In this context, it is not easy to attract and retain staff. A famous fast-food chain in the same municipality has jobs paying 91¢/hour more. “Literally, Burger King pays better than the SAAQ,” notes Mr. Lacroix.
Despite all these events, the SAAQ chose to remove the security agent in place until recently. Mr. Lacroix therefore chose to put an end to the appointment system, in order to avoid tensions between clients.
Other problematic branches
At the SAAQ head office, it is noted that security agents were provided to agents this spring “to help manage queues in an exceptional context.”
Of the number, nearly 25 are still on duty, mainly in urban centers “for specific situations, for example numerous events of aggression and violence once morest employees,” writes a spokesperson.
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