Press release
Collective agreement decree: CAQ once again abandons workers

The Quebec Federation of Labour (QFL) strongly condemns the introduction of Bill 27, which targets both the Act respecting collective agreement decrees and occupational health and safety in the construction sector. This troubling and dangerous initiative reflects an authoritarian government that shows deep contempt for workers.

At a time when the CAQ is at its lowest level of public support, it has chosen to multiply attacks instead of addressing the real concerns of the population. The QFL is calling for the immediate withdrawal of this irresponsible bill.

Alarming content

The content of Bill 27 is deeply concerning. It grants sweeping discretionary powers to the Minister, allowing direct interference in collective agreement decrees and in the functioning of parity committees. The bill would also effectively give employers veto power over the very existence of these decrees.

Yet collective agreement decrees remain an essential tool to protect nearly 90,000 workers, many of whom are among the most vulnerable. They establish minimum working conditions and prevent unfair competition based on wages.

In construction, the Minister undermines his own reform

The bill also represents an unacceptable rollback in occupational health and safety. It would reduce by up to 85% the presence of full-time worker representatives on construction sites, directly weakening protections in the deadliest sector in Quebec.

These provisions contradict reforms that the Minister himself introduced just months ago, which were already beginning to show positive results, particularly in reducing workplace fatalities. The FTQ refuses to accept that workers’ conditions  and their lives be put at risk.

The QFL, the largest labour federation in Quebec, represents more than 600,000 workers.

Translated into English by SEU 800 from the original French-language press release issued by the QFL.