Government of Québec enters into legal proceedings initiated by various labour unions

Louis P. Bernier represented the Government of Québec in legal proceedings initiated by various labour unions in response to the Act respecting Conditions of employment in the public sector assented to in December 2005. This legislation renews the collective agreements of the Government of Québec's 500,000 employees until March 31, 2010. It also aims to ensure that public services are maintained. The validity of this Act is being challenged, mainly by referring to the provisions in the Canadian and Québec human rights charters that guarantee freedom of association. The labour unions are further alleging before Québec's labour relations board, the Commission des relations du travail, that the government has failed to negotiate in good faith with the labour unions representing its employees.