The United Steelworkers/Syndicat des Métallos has established a new union local for 1,000 traffic control workers employed at road construction sites in Quebec, with another 2,500 workers from the sector potentially joining the union.
The unionized traffic control workers previously were members of USW Local 8922, which primarily represents security workers across Quebec. Growth in the number of traffic control workers joining the Steelworkers has justified the creation of the new USW Local 9005, the union says.
“Our traffic control workers wanted to have their own democratic structure to tackle head-on the issues that affect them, including working conditions and health and safety,” said USW staff representative Martin L’Abbée.
“This will enable these workers to take greater control of their trade and be even more focused in their demands and their union activism,” L’Abbée said.
A nomination meeting will be held simultaneously in Montreal and Quebec City on July 20 to accept nominations for the election of members of the Local 9005 Executive Committee, to be followed by a mail-in vote among members.
The creation of USW Local 9005 follows the enactment by the Quebec government, in February of this year, of a sectoral decree governing the working conditions of traffic control workers across the province, based on the collective agreement negotiated by the Steelworkers for its members. The USW had advocated for the province-wide decree for several years.
“The sector is becoming more organised and structured, which is helping to improve the rights of these workers,” said Michel Courcy, the USW’s area co-ordinator for the Montreal region. This new union local will help these workers to achieve further progress in improving their working conditions and wages.”
Union organizing campaign under way
The Steelworkers union is encouraging all traffic control workers at Quebec road construction sites, regardless of whether they are covered by the government’s sectoral decree, to join the union to improve their working conditions.
“With strength in numbers, we’re better-positioned to negotiate improved working conditions and to win greater respect from employers,” said L’Abbée.
For more information: 1-866-382-5567, 514-599-2000, recrutementD5@metallos.ca
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