The Syndicat des technologues d’Hydro-Québec (CUPE 957), which represents over 2,700 members, filed a strike notice regarding overtime. After two and a half years of sluggish bargaining, the union is stepping up the pressure: it wants to reach a tentative agreement on the terms of the collective agreement more quickly.
For the technologists, the main issues are striking an acceptable balance in workers’ flexibility and in other major demands the employer has tabled. In return, the union will bargain based on its members’ expectations regarding the changes initiated by Hydro-Québec’s senior management.
The union is also very concerned about contracting out, including the awarding of external contracts, since technologists already have expertise in all the areas entrusted to third parties. Political interference in recent years has heightened members’ concern about covert privatization and, given the expertise of our in-house workforce, has considerably increased the operating costs of our Crown corporation.
“Our members and bargaining committee have been patient for two and a half years,” explained Robert Claveau, president of CUPE 957. “The time has come to hold the employer accountable for its choices and ramp up the bargaining process so that our members’ importance is reflected in the employer’s business processes. There is no question of impacting citizens through this action. Quite the contrary: bargaining will result in improvements in work benefits and customer service.”
To minimize the impact on the public, the union reiterated that essential services overseen by the Tribunal administratif du travail will be agreed upon between the parties and endorsed by the Tribunal to meet the health and safety needs of the public.
“It’s in everyone’s best interest for us to move on this now if we don’t want to still be at the bargaining table in 2027,” the union representative concluded.
The union will make no further comment, preferring to leave discussion to the bargaining committees.
The collective agreement expired on December 31, 2023.
