Montreal, September 11, 2000 - Ten retired outside workers from the Montreal area were subjected to degrading conditions while peacefully demonstrating support for their working colleagues faced with Bills 124 and 134 affecting their right to free collective bargaining and even interfering in the management of retirement plans in the municipal sector. The incidents took place yesterday at the riding office of minister Lemieux, at 5878 Sherbrooke East, In Montreal.
These retired workers were also outraged because minister Lemieux did not keep her promise to meet with them after they occupied her offices on June 19, 2000. At this meeting, the retired workers were planning to talk to the minister about the possibility of amending Bills 124 and 134.
Despite repeated interventions with the ministers press attache, Doris Morris, and her cabinet secretary, Frano00690073 Ferland, to enable the retired workers to have access to the washrooms during their peaceful occupation of the premises, the demonstrators were forced to use bags to relieve themselves. The ministers staff even refused the unions offer to send over a portable toilet. Furthermore, the tactical flying squad was sent to the premises to evacuate the demonstrators during the evening.
Source: Canadian Union of Public Employees (QFL)
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