A Third Hydro-Quebec Union Threatens a Strike
Union Issues Strike Announcement to Employer Number Three
Montreal is on notice, as a third union at Hydro-Quebec - the Network Employees' Union - has issued a strike notice. Starting June 16, their members, who total 205 and play a key role in the company's power grid, will refuse to work overtime in protest of proposed changes in the operating model and working conditions.
This decision follows two other strike notices from two other unions at Hydro-Quebec. The Specialists and Professionals Union and the Construction Nurses and Nurses Union have already been vocal about their concerns. So what exactly are these unions objecting to?
At the heart of the matter is Hydro-Quebec's plan to alter its operating model. If implemented, this could result in jobs being redefined, shifts changing, and working conditions becoming more challenging. Naturally, employees are wary of how these adjustments could potentially be detrimental to their roles[1].
Unions are also pushing for better working conditions, with the Construction Nurses and Nurses Union, which represents on-site healthcare professionals, pressing for their first collective agreement.
Despite lengthy negotiations - with 75 bargaining sessions at the sectoral table and 25 at the common demands table - progress has been slow, causing unions to resort to more drastic measures[1][3]. However, as the Network Employees' Union plays a strategic role in managing Hydro-Quebec's power grid, any strike actions will have to balance their industrial action with maintaining critical services, as dictated by the Labour tribunal[1].
Just a reminder, the Construction Nurses and Nurses Union has previously announced a strike for June 10, 11, and 12, while the Specialists and Professionals Union plans a five-day strike starting June 9[2]. In totality, CUPE represents approximately 16,000 members at Hydro-Quebec, spread across seven local unions.
[1] La Presse, "Les syndicats de Hydro-Québec réclament des changements au modèle opérationnel"[2] CBC News, "Hydro-Québec union votes to strike for better working conditions"[3] Radio-Canada, "Le syndicat de Hydro-Québec ambitionne "un coup de fil" samedi pour faire le point"
- The proposed changes in the operating model and working conditions at Hydro-Quebec's power grid by science and technology are causing concern among employees and are a key reason for the unions' objections.
- The finance and energy industry is watching closely as these strikes at Hydro-Quebec could have potential impacts on the sector's general operations.
- Health-and-wellness in the workplace is a significant issue at Hydro-Quebec, with unions advocating for better working conditions and pushing for their first collective agreement.
- Politics is being played out in the public sphere as three unions at Hydro-Quebec have issued strike notices, with implications that reach beyond the company and into the broader hydroelectric power industry.
