In the event of deadlock in the negotiations, Quebec’s Labour Code sets out specific provisions permitting the implementation of pressure tactics up to and including a strike. This right is also protected by the charters of rights. The Code provides for the procedures that must be carried out prior to strike action (members’ vote, prior notice and deadlines, obligation to provide certain essential services, etc.).
The FMRQ Delegates’ Assembly has already approved a game plan comprising visibility tactics and mobilization measures before reaching that stage (see Info Négo of March 19, 2024 below), and members will be consulted before pressure tactics such as a strike are carried out—and clearly we do not want things to go that far. But there does need to be a genuine willingness to reach a satisfactory collective agreement with acceptable demands from both sides. We will have a clearer idea of how things are going in that regard this coming fall.