The union representing workers with the Municipality of Desbiens favourably views steps taken by the Quebec government, which passed a decree to take over the administration of the Municipality of Desbiens. A grievance has already been filed against mayor Ginette Sirois for psychological harassment.
“All things considered, this comes as good news, as unionized employees and their non-unionized counterparts were critical of the mayor for her insidious interference in human resources and psychological harassment. However, we were surprised at a media report of comments by the minister of Municipal Affairs, Andree Laforest, who expressed her confidence in the mayor even though it had been clear for several months that things had not been going well in Desbiens,” explained CUPE union representative Claire Simard.
“The minister should have at least contacted union leaders to get a more accurate picture of municipal affairs in this municipality of Lac St. Jean,” added Simard.
The toxic work atmosphere in the municipality resulted in an investigation by an outside firm.
The town council will continue to operate to manage the town. However, its decisions will have to be approved by the Commission municipale du Québec (CMQ).