Dear Sisters and Brothers,

In accordance with the Act respecting labor relations, vocational training and workforce management in the construction industry (RLRQ CR-20) you are invited to a virtual meeting to inform you about the progress of the collective bargaining agreement negotiations in the 4 sectors as well as at the Benefits table.

You will then be invited to come and vote at one of our polling stations to give the Quebec Building Trade (CPQMCI) a mandate allowing it to use, at the appropriate time, pressure tactics that could go as far as an indefinite general strike.

MONDAY, May 10 at 7:00 PM

The vote will be taken on the following question:

As part of the negotiations for the renewal of the collective agreements in the construction industry 2021–2025, give the Quebec Building Trade (CPQMCI) the mandate to initiate, at the appropriate time, legal means of pressure that can go as far as an unlimited general strike in each of the 4 fields in the industry (institutional-commercial, industrial, residential, civil engineering and roads)

The reason why we are calling for this meeting is to ensure that we have all the necessary tools to properly conduct the negotiations and, above all, try and reach an agreement that provides you with working conditions that respect your essential contribution to the success of our industry.

In order to facilitate your understanding of the situation, here is the current state of negotiations in the various sectors, so far there has been:

• 16 residential meetings
• 16 meetings in the ICI (commercial)
• 16 meetings in civil engineering and roads
• 9 meetings at the benefits tables (pensions, health and welfare)

For the moment, discussions are continuing at all tables.

OUR DEMANDS

The negotiation priority this year is obviously our insurance plan (Medic construction). Several scenarios are being studied, but no agreement has yet been reached in the area of the common clauses.

Pension Plan

When our salary increases, the retirement contribution must also be increased to guarantee an adequate income when we retire. That is why we are asking for a greater contribution from employers to our pension plan.

Insurance Plan (MÉDIC Construction)

Our Medic insurance plan is currently suffering from underfunding problems. It is about time we put more money into the plan. We deserve the best for our family and for us.

OUR DEMANDS

Our requests were made under 5 major issues presented in all sectors:

1- Application of the collective agreement

We are asking in our collective agreements adaptations to address today’s realities.

2- Success of women in the industry

The construction industry is welcoming more and more women. It is our duty to adapt it to all. Whether it is to provide proper safety gear or to protect preventive withdrawal due to pregnancy, we will negotiate to ensure the success of everyone in the industry.

3- Safety, well-being and hygiene

We are calling for measures to put an end to unsanitary conditions on construction sites.

4- Family and quality of life

In construction, it is sometimes very difficult to reconcile work and family which is why we are calling for flexibility to allow all workers to spend time with family and to meet their needs and responsibilities.

5- Compensation and purchasing power

Well-being and quality of life are major components of a healthy society. It is an undeniable fact. We are therefore calling for fair salary increases. More specifically, we are asking for higher wages than prices because that is how we will increase our purchasing power and our access to the services we need for our families and us. We have the right to a healthy lifestyle.

Summary of the Negotiation in Each Sector

Residential sector

Offers in exploratory mode have been submitted by both parties. Discussions are ongoing but no conclusions have yet been reached.

Institutional, commercial and industrial sectors

A global offer has been submitted by the union bargaining team. Discussions are continuing on this one

Civil engineering and roads sector

A global offer was made by the union party. This is currently being studied by the employers bargaining team.

• Negotiations began on January 21 with the filling of the Unions and the employers’ demands.
• The signing of the negotiation protocols took place on January 26.
• Conciliation was granted by the government on February 12.
• Mediation was requested on March 1, 2021, in each of the sectors.

The law indicates that mediations last 60 days after the date of the initial request.

Consequently, the negotiations would end on May 1st. At that time, at the request of mediators on file, the Ministère du Travail, de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale (Minister of Labor, employment and Social Solidarity) can extend the mediation period by a maximum of 30 days, until June 1.

After this date, a period of 21 days (art. 45.3, Law R-20) is provided before the union party can call a strike or the employer party can call a lockout.

As you can see, there are still many options to reach an agreement between the parties. However, it is essential to be prepared for any eventuality and that is why we hope to be able to count on your participation and support in large numbers.

All our teams are on hand to answer your questions, do not hesitate to contact them. We thank you for your support and we invite you to come in large numbers to your union meeting.

Fraternally,