QUEBEC CITY – Construction workers in Quebec are threatening to go on strike, after negotiations over their new collective agreement stalled.
The Alliance syndicale de la construction said the strike would start on Monday. The last time Quebec suffered a general strike in the construction industry was in 1976.
“Every work done by construction workers is going to be stopped on Monday morning,” warned FTQ-Construction boss Yves Ouellet.
About a dozen workers came to the National Assembly with their sleeping bags, a symbolic gesture to let their employer know they’re willing to negotiate day and night. Last month, workers rejected an offer by the Quebec Construction Association (QCA) to reduce the amount of double time worked. The QCA also wanted workers to start their days earlier and work overtime on weekends at regular rates. Construction workers make on average $33.50 an hour. They’re fighting for pay hikes of about 3 per cent.
“The workers here right now don’t want to lose that,” said Ouellet. “It’s something their parents fought for, a lot of people have fought for this, you know, and they are not ready to lose.”
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In Question Period, the Liberals asked Premier Pauline Marois to get involved.
The Liberal MNA for Chomedey, Guy Ouellette, said a general strike this summer would inconvenience Quebecers as well as cost the province millions – maybe even billions – of dollars.
“It means a total shutdown of all the construction, on roads, the CHUM, the CUSM, the amphitheatre in Quebec City,” he listed.
Ouellette added families waiting to move into their new homes this July would also be penalized. Labour Minister Agnès Maltais said she expects the two sides will work it out by themselves.
“I know there are meetings that are booked and I want them to meet and conciliate and find an agreement,” said Maltais. “We’re waiting for them, it’s their responsibility.”
The parties have three more days to settle the dispute.
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