Press release
Transport interurbain perturbé : La Québécoise décrète un lock-out

A lockout announced by the employer on its website will take effect overnight from March 30 to 31, 2026, resulting in the suspension of a bus route connecting Québec City, Trois-Rivières and Sherbrooke.

Although the bargaining unit involved includes only six drivers, the consequences of the lockout extend far beyond this small group of workers. In addition to major urban centres, the affected route serves several municipalities, including Drummondville, Victoriaville, Richmond and Windsor. For many residents, this is not simply a localized labour dispute, but a service disruption impacting entire communities.

NEGOTIATIONS AT A STANDSTILL

Negotiations had already been progressing slowly for several months. In total, only five meetings were held over a seven-month period, three of which took place in the presence of a conciliator from the Ministry of Labour.

“The union proposed several meeting dates as early as the spring. We tried to move things forward, but it was very difficult to make any real progress,” said Sylvie Landry, union representative for the Union of Service Employees (UES800).

According to the union, the meetings quickly revealed a lack of decision-making authority on the employer’s side. The employer’s lawyer did not always appear to have the necessary mandate to advance discussions, which hindered the negotiation process.

“We even had to interrupt one meeting because the employer’s representative was unable to reach their client. Under those circumstances, it was impossible to move forward,” Ms. Landry explained.

“Yet the lockout notice is signed by the company’s president, Mr. Mathieu Gingras. When it comes to declaring a lockout, he seems easier to reach than when it comes to advancing negotiations,” she added.

WAGES AT THE HEART OF THE DISPUTE

The union’s demands focused on wage increases, adjustments to vacation and leave provisions, and improvements to working conditions in order to better reflect current market realities.

The employer’s offer, however, proposed a seven-year collective agreement that included a wage freeze for senior employees and wage reductions for newer hires.

Union representatives informed members of the lockout announcement during a general assembly held on Saturday, where workers unanimously rejected the employer’s latest offer. Members viewed this strategy as a profound lack of respect toward workers.

“They’re asking us to agree to work for less money, when we’re already paid less than drivers at other companies. It feels like we’re being taken advantage of,” said Carmen Painchaud, president of the bargaining unit.

Over the past year, the employer has invested in modernizing its bus fleet. But behind every vehicle are workers who ensure passenger transportation day after day, often under demanding conditions.

“Modern equipment matters. But without decent working conditions, it’s the drivers who are holding the service together,” Ms. Painchaud concluded.

A HISTORY OF STRAINED LABOUR RELATIONS

This conflict comes amid ongoing disputes between the parties. The union indicates that several grievances are currently underway, particularly regarding issues related to compliance with the law, including the payment of overtime.

The union also notes that, in 2025, the employer was found guilty by the Administrative Labour Tribunal in a separate case of violating union rights. A decision that the employer is contesting and intends to appeal.

“We will stand with our members in the face of this intimidation tactic. They can count on us. I don’t know anyone who would accept having their wages stagnate or even decrease for seven years,” said UES800 Interim President Marie Deschênes.

As it stands, this lockout affects more than just six drivers. It also deprives several regions of an essential transportation link and reflects a hardening stance taken by the employer.

“You will find us on the picket line. We will not back down. We will stand strong until the employer chooses to negotiate in good faith,” Ms. Landry concluded.