Workers at Camping Rivière-Ouelle, represented by the Service employe Union (UES 800), received in recent days the Ministry of Labour investigation report stemming from the labour dispute with their employer this summer.
The 33-day strike, which ended on July 3, was marked by the presence of numerous individuals performing work normally carried out by striking employees. The union brought the situation to the attention of Ministry of Labour investigators as early as June 5.
Eleven individuals identified in the investigation report
The investigation report supports concerns raised by workers during the dispute. Investigators concluded that eleven individuals may have contravened certain provisions of section 109.1 of the Labour Code regarding the use of replacement workers.
“During the strike, our members saw other people doing their jobs, and we raised the alarm. Today, it’s no longer just the workers’ word: we have an investigation report that documents what happened and reaches conclusions. The rules governing a strike aren’t suggestions. They have to be respected. This isn’t the Wild West!” said Frédéric Morin, union representative with UES 800.
Several seasonal residents allegedly performed duties normally carried out by striking employees. Two members of Camping Rivière-Ouelle’s board of directors are among the individuals identified in the report’s findings.
“Even after Ministry investigators intervened, it continued. The rules had been explained to the campground’s administrators. But our members continued to see other people doing their jobs right up until the end of the strike. Overall, we estimate that around twenty people acted as replacement workers during the dispute. At some point, you can’t keep claiming you didn’t know,” continued Morin.
It will now be up to the Administrative Labour Tribunal to rule on the matter. A first hearing is scheduled for October 15.
A statement regarding cash payment for undeclared work
The report also refers to a statement from an individual who says they were paid cash for sixteen hours of work. According to the information recorded in the report, those hours were allegedly undeclared. The employer denies the claim.
For UES 800, this raises serious questions that extend beyond labour relations at the campground and will need to be examined by the appropriate authorities.
Tensions persist despite a first collective agreement
Following the agreement that ended the strike and led to the conclusion of a first collective agreement, workers hoped they could turn the page and begin a new labour relationship with their employer. Two months after returning to work, however, the situation remains troubling.
Two members are currently on leave from work, two terminations are being challenged, and new complaints have been added to those already filed.
“Our members genuinely hoped for a fresh start after everything they went through. What they’re asking for is pretty simple: to be able to do their jobs in a workplace where their rights are respected and where they feel safe. What is it going to take for us to finally get there?” added Morin.
UES 800 reiterates its commitment to dialogue in order to rebuild healthy and sustainable labour relations at Camping Rivière-Ouelle. That commitment, however, cannot come at the expense of workers’ rights.
“We will always prefer to resolve problems around the table. But if we have to appear before the appropriate authorities to defend our members’ rights, we will do so every time it is necessary, until the message gets through,” concluded Morin.