Unions challenge Quebec pension reform in court

QUEBEC CITY – Unions have begun challenging Quebec’s new pension law.

The Fédération indépendante des syndicats autonomes (FISA) became the first to launch proceedings in Superior Court.

After weeks of political debate, FISA spokesperson Jean Gagnon says it’s time for a judge to determine who’s right and who’s wrong in the municipal pension file.

Gagnon, who represents thirteen unions in nine different cities, says he is “scandalized” the Liberal government dared reopen collective agreements.

READ MORE: Quebec passes controversial pension reform bill

Under the new law, cities and their employees will split pension contributions to eradicate a $4 billion deficit.

Gagnon says he’s also considering the possibility of seeking an injunction to delay the application of the law.

On Wednesday, the Association du personnel retraité de la Ville de Québec (APRVQ) announced it will also go to court.

“The retirees of Quebec City will challenge the validity of Law 3,” APRVQ President Gaston Verreault declared.

Many more unions are expected to file suits.

Gagnon estimates it may take between five and ten years for the case to make its way through the justice system.

READ MORE: Montreal white-collar workers hold 1-day strike over pension changes

FISA lawyer Jean Poudrier says the courts will have to look at case-law confirming unions’ right to free negotiation.

“The liberty of association includes the liberty of negociation,” he said, adding he believes Quebec’s pension law will be struck down.

However, Municipal Affairs Minister Pierre Moreau insists the courts will agree pension deficits urgently need to be wiped out.

“We are confident that what we are asking is according to law, in every field of the negotiation. And in the past, free negotiation never settled the past deficit,” Moreau said.