Press release
Increase in CNESST Contributions : Employers Cannot Avoid Their Responsibilities

The Congress of Democratic Trade Unions (CSD), the Confédération of National Trade Unions (CNTU), the Quebec Labour Congress (QLC), and the Quebec Federation of Labour (QFL) are denouncing the statements made by the Quebec Employers Council (CPQ), the Quebec Federation of Chambers of Commerce (QFCC), and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). These employer organizations are calling for “immediate corrective measures” to Quebec’s occupational health and safety system following the announcement of increased contributions to the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST).

Trade union organizations point out that this increase was adopted by the CNESST Board of Directors, which includes representatives from the Quebec Employers Council (CPQ) and the Quebec Federation of Chambers of Commerce (QFCC), among others. “Employers cannot vote in favour of increased contributions at the CNESST table and then portray themselves as victims when speaking to the media! This position seriously lacks credibility and is difficult to reconcile with the role they play in the governance of the system. For our part, we remain consistent and reject any attempt to distance ourselves from this decision,” stated Luc Vachon, President of the Congress of Democratic Trade Unions (CSD); Caroline Senneville, President of the Confédération of National Trade Unions (CNTU); Nadine Bédard-St-Pierre, Vice-President of the Quebec Labour Congress (QLC); and Olivier Carrière, Secretary General of the Quebec Federation of Labour (QFL).

The labour organizations also reject the employers’ attempt to place the responsibility for this increase on the modernization of Quebec’s occupational health and safety system. “Let us recall that employer organizations actively participated in the discussions surrounding the reform and supported several of the changes that were adopted to ensure the long-term sustainability of the system,” the spokespersons continued.

Above all, trade union organizations emphasize a simple fact: the costs of the system are directly linked to the number of workplace accidents and occupational diseases that occur in workplaces.

“Employer organizations are criticizing the cost of the system today, but they are overlooking the most effective way to reduce it: preventing workplace accidents and occupational diseases before they occur. Every injury prevented means a worker spared from harm, but it also means lower costs for employers. Prevention is not the problem; it is the solution. It is also important to remember that every dollar invested in prevention can save up to $10 in compensation costs. Employer associations would do well to discuss this with their accountants! Prevention is not an expense; it is an investment,” the spokespersons continued.

For trade union organizations, it is particularly concerning to see employer groups use this increase in contributions as an opportunity to call for changes to a system that remains essential to protecting the health, safety, and physical integrity of Quebec workers.

“We hear a great deal about costs for employers, but far too little about the human costs of workplace accidents and occupational diseases. Behind every statistic are individuals who suffer injuries, lose income, or experience permanent impacts on their health. In 2025, 257 workers even lost their lives while trying to earn one! This is the reality that the system must first and foremost address,” added the spokespersons.

The CSD, CNTU, QLC, and QFL reiterate that the real solutions lie in strengthening prevention, supporting workplaces, and rigorously enforcing the mechanisms provided for under the law not in weakening the protections granted to victims of occupational injuries.

The four organizations will remain vigilant against any attempt to challenge the progress achieved in occupational health and safety and remind everyone that a modern and effective system must first be assessed based on its ability to prevent injuries and protect workers.

Translated into English by SEU800 from the original French-language press release.

Sources : CSD, CSN, CSQ et FTQ