Quebec government defends against claims back-to-work law gives it too much power
QUEBEC — The Quebec Liberals defended their back-to-work bill Tuesday from accusations the law gives to much power to the government regarding negotiations between unions and private-sector construction companies.
Members of the legislature debated through the night and passed a law forcing Quebec’s 175,000 construction workers to end their week-long strike and return to work Wednesday.
The law grants workers a pay hike of 1.8 per cent and forces both sides to enter into a five-month mediation period followed by an arbitration process if a deal cannot be reached.
Unions said their lawyers are preparing a legal challenge to the law because they feel the government has potentially illegally limited their right to strike.