What you need to know about the special law that could end Quebec's construction strike
Couillard government argues strike costs $45M per day, unions concerned about erosion of bargaining power
Even before 175,000 construction workers went on strike, the Quebec government was musing about the possibility of introducing back-to-work legislation.
Premier Philippe Couillard signalled his government would introduce legislation on Monday if the unions and construction companies can't reach a deal before then.
Labour Minister Dominique Vien has made it clear she would prefer a signed agreement, but would resort to a special law if need be.
Here's what you need to know.
What isback-to-work legislation?
How does it work?
The legislation ends a strike or lockout by either imposing a binding arbitration process on the two parties involved in thelabour dispute or a new contract without negotiation.
Under arbitration, the union and the employer submit what they are willing to accept toa government-appointed arbitrator and the arbitrator reaches a compromise position that both parties must legally accept.
When was it last used in Quebec?
Is it being used more frequently?
Historically, back-to-work legislation was usually only enacted after a strike had gone on for at least some period of time, but that hasn't necessarilybeen the case in recent years. The Canadian Foundation for Labour Rights has tracked a rise in the number of instances where back-to-work legislation has been put into effect.
In the last three decades, the federal government alone passed 19 pieces of back-to-work legislation while provincial governments across the country have enacted 71 pieces of back-to-work legislation.
What is the government's argument?
The Quebec government has repeatedly said the strike will cost the province $45 million a day, with major projects across the province on hold. Couillard told reporters in Jerusalem lastThursday he's giving the sides the weekend to hammer out a deal.
"I have asked that the government take measures to be ready to act Monday,'' he said.
What are labour groups saying?
Michel Trpanier, spokesperson for the alliance of unions, said they are hoping to settle the dispute at the bargaining table and that hedoesn't like the idea of back-to-work legislation looming.
What are employers saying?
Employer groups say they are ready to resume talks with unions,according toricCt, a spokesperson for the Associationde la construction duQubec(ACQ)who is negotiating on behalf of the employers.
With files from Kamila Hinkson and The Canadian Press