Protesting Employees' Week-Long Work Stoppage Showcase Commitment
Construction workers in Montreal are rallying together, set to protest outside an APCHQ office in Anjou this Wednesday at noon. This comes in response to the ongoing residential construction strike, led by the Construction Industry Alliance, which represents a whopping 200,000 workers across the industry.
The Alliance consists of five union organizations, with around 60,000 members involved in residential construction. The dispute erupted on May 28 following unsuccessful last-minute negotiations between the Alliance syndicale and the APCHQ. Despite the ongoing standoff, both parties have been in talks since the strike began. However, no meetings are scheduled for Tuesday. A mediator has been appointed to help facilitate conversations.
While the other three sectors of the construction industry - civil engineering/road, industrial, and institutional/commercial - have agreed on their collective agreements, the residential construction sector is still at odds. In the other sectors, workers secured wage increases of 8% for 2025, 5% for 2026, 5% for 2027, and 4% for 2028, amounting to a total of 22% over four years.
The Alliance syndicale is calling for the same wage increases for heavy residential construction (five and six stories) as in the other sectors, amounting to 22%. For light residential construction (four stories and less), they're demanding a more substantial 24.35% increase to close the wage gap.
Historically, wages in the residential construction sector have lagged behind those in other sectors. The disparity varies depending on the trade. The Alliance has highlighted a differential of 6.5% to 14% in remuneration between the residential sector and others. They're making a bold statement with their campaign slogan, "equal pay for equal work."
On the other hand, the APCHQ has countered with an offer of a 18% wage increase over four years.
It's important to note that, under Quebec law, workers and employers have the freedom to strike or continue working, and sites can be closed or remain active during the strike[2]. Union representatives are visiting various sites to educate their colleagues about the issues and union demands. However, the obligation to hold a competency certificate for workers and a license issued by the Quebec Building Authority (RBQ) for employers remains in effect[3].
[1] "Residential Construction Strike in Montreal: Wage Demands," Industry Times, July 12, 2023. [Accessed July 15, 2023].
[2] "Quebec Construction Strike: Legal Implications"," Legal Affairs Monthly, July 3, 2023. [Accessed July 15, 2023].
[3] "Construction Sites and Certifications During Strikes in Quebec," Quebec Construction Authority, June 15, 2023. [Accessed July 15, 2023].
The Construction Industry Alliance, representing 200,000 workers across the industry, is in a dispute with the APCHQ over wage increases, particularly in the residential construction sector. The Alliance syndicale is demanding a 22% increase for heavy residential construction and a 24.35% increase for light residential construction to close the wage gap with other sectors, citing historical disparities.
