Hundreds of workers could receive cheques after Quebec decision

In October 2011, Quebec construction workers walked off the job at a number of construction sites across the province. The workers were protesting Bill 33, which would end the practice of construction unions deciding who may work on construction projects in Quebec. It would also force unions to share financial information with the public for outside audits and public scrutiny.

The legislation received royal assent in December 2011.

Compensation for lost work and damages

The Court of Appeal of Quebec ruling — issued on July 13, 2022, and enforceable since May 25, 2023 — found FTQ-Construction responsible for damages related to the illegal strike. The judgment orders compensatory payments for workers and contractors affected by the disruption, including wages lost and expenses incurred. In a separate action, CPQMCI consented to the conclusions of the same ruling in November 2024.

Workers who were present on disrupted construction sites on October 25, 2011, may receive compensation of up to $500, equivalent to eight hours of missed work. However, BMMD Avocats lawyer Benoit Marion said the cheques will be around $330 to $340, and even those who have retired or changed jobs can make a claim, according to CTV News.

Construction contractors with fewer than 50 employees may also file claims without a monetary cap for losses such as:

• Wages paid to workers despite work stoppage;
• Equipment-related expenses for the day;
• Income losses directly resulting from the strike.

According to a CTV News report, workers who fall under the class action lawsuit include:

• Construction workers in October 2011 who were on a site that was disrupted or closed on Oct. 25, forcing them to lose hours of work.
• Construction contractors working on the same date whose sites were closed or disrupted.
• Anyone who paid for work that was not carried out and/or incurred expenses on equipment on that day.

Those looking to make a claim can visit this page. The claims period will end April 15, 2026.

Workers will receive texts, emails or robocalls with details about the claim, Marion said, according to the CTV News report.

“I just want to reassure people that this is normal. It’s a way to reach them and it will lead them to a website.”

At the start of this year, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers’ (CUPW) Whitehorse called for an investigation into the City of Whitehorse’s use of municipal staff to deliver mail during last year’s Canada Post strike.

The strike – which began in mid-November 2024 – lasted four weeks after negotiations between the postal workers’ union and the corporation stalled over wages, benefits, and worker safety. In December, the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) ordered striking employees to return to work.