The union representing professionals with the Société québécoise des infrastructures (SPSQI), CUPE 5522, submitted an offer on February 28th aimed at settling the renewal of its members’ collective agreement for the purpose of achieving industrial peace. Since there was no response to the union’s last offer back in November 2023, a strike notice will nonetheless be sent out to begin strike action starting March 12. The long, drawn-out negotiations have been the subject of harsh criticism by the union. The employer is merely stalling for time with no concern for the 231 workers who have left the SQI since 2021 or the adverse consequences on current employees.
“Our members sent a clear message by voting 89.7% in favour of a five-day strike. They are hoping to get a quick agreement and are willing to take whatever steps are needed to reach their objective. We’ve been without a contract for four years. Current working conditions have caused several members to leave SQI at a worrisome rate, which has cost the organization expertise,” said Mario Laroche, president of CUPE 5522.
The SPSQI has 735 members, consisting of engineers, architects, project managers, real estate advisors and other professionals who plan and manage major projects and the maintenance of Government of Quebec buildings the SQI owns. The major projects include the construction of all of the Maisons des aînés, new hospitals, new secondary schools and renovation and construction work on court houses and penal institutions throughout Quebec.