Quebec construction strike leaves sites empty—but not all workers are walking off

Construction workers are not legally obligated to walk off the job, but the Alliance of construction unions is urging solidarity.

Residential construction sites across Quebec were largely empty Wednesday as thousands of workers walked off the job—though not everyone is respecting the strike mandate.

Workers are not legally obligated to walk off the job, but the alliance of construction unions is urging solidarity and says members are visiting job sites to make workers aware of the strike, including in St-Zotique, where one neighbour said a large group showed up to talk to workers.

“Like 40 [union workers were protesting]. They blocked the whole street. And they went in there in the building,” said resident Melanie Duby.

In Quebec City, the labour minister did not rule out back-to-work legislation but said he would give the two parties time to reach a negotiated settlement.

“We cannot allow us to be very patient. But again, I rely upon the parties. They have the possibility. They still talk to one another. They are accompanied by a mediator,” said Minister Jean Boulet.

The alliance of construction unions is demanding a salary increase of between 22 and 24 per cent over four years.

Isabelle Demers with the Association of Construction Professionals (APCHQ) says that, on average, the proposed wage increases would add between $40,000 and $55,000 to the cost of a new home—and for renters, that could mean an additional $120 per month.

“So, it’s substantial. We need to really take this into consideration and to find the proper balance in terms of what is acceptable for everyone,” she said.

The APCHQ is offering 18 per cent over four years, but the alliance of construction unions says that’s not good enough.

“They don’t consider all the loss, about the inflation that we have been the victim in the last years,” said Alexandre Ricard with the alliance of construction unions.

The alliance has also rejected an offer to go into mediated arbitration, a process favoured by the APCHQ and the government. But while the parties negotiate, work sites across the province remain empty, with much-needed housing delayed.