In recent days, the investigation teams of the Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ) have been alerted by a number of reports that confirm the organization of pressure tactics by crane operators, notably by refusing to work overtime, in order to cause work slow-downs. An illegal strike is also planned for sometime in June.

The slowdowns and the strike may have major impacts on the work underway and the completion deadline of major projects, such as the Champlain Bridge and the Turcot Exchange.

Act R-20 formally forbids anyone to order, encourage, support, or take part in a strike, work slowdown, or lock-out while collective agreements are in effect.

The CCQ will deploy its teams onto construction sites to inform workers of their obligations and observe violations of the Act.

All violations observed will give rise to recommendations for prosecution to the Directeur des poursuites criminelles et pénales.

Penal provisions set out in Act R-20

The associations or representatives that break the law by ordering, encouraging, or supporting a strike or slow-down are liable for fines that may reach $79,587 per day.

Workers are liable for fines as high as $199 per day.

In addition, anyone who uses intimidations or threats with the goal of causing a obstruction to or slow-down or stop of activities on a construction sites is liable for fines of more than $11,370 per day.

Victim of intimidation? How to make a complaint to the CCQ

If you witness or are a victim of intimidation, obstruction, or threats, you can contact the CCQ at 1 844 736-6746, or by email by visiting the section “Want to make a complaint”? at ccq.org.

The CCQ processes all complaints that are sent to it confidentially.

About the Commission de la construction du Québec

The Commission de la construction du Québec, created in 1987, is responsible for application of the Act Respecting Labour Relations, Vocational Training and Workforce Management in the Construction Industry (Act R-20), which governs the industry. It offers numerous services to the clienteles that it serves, including all aspects of vocational training, management of the workforce, and application of the construction industry’s collective agreements.