Two of Hydro-Québec’s largest unions representing nearly 9,000 workers have moved in tandem to escalate pressure on the Crown corporation.
Both the Hydro-Québec Trades Employees Union (CUPE-1500) and the Hydro-Québec Technologists Union (CUPE 957) announced Tuesday they filed strike notices after more than two years of stalled negotiations, saying they will refuse to work overtime
The Hydro-Québec Trades Employees Union (CUPE-1500), which represents more than 6,200 skilled workers including line workers and mechanics, said it filed a strike notice to “get things moving” after what it called unproductive talks.
“We’re waiting for a response from the employer following a submission made over two weeks ago, but it’s radio silence,” said its president, Frédéric Savard. “At some point, things need to get serious at the bargaining table … and right now, senior management isn’t showing up.”
Also Tuesday, the Hydro-Québec Technologists Union (CUPE 957), representing more than 2,700 technologists, filed its own strike notice.
Its president, Robert Claveau, said the move came after “two and a half years of patience,” warning that negotiations could drag on until 2027 without a shift in approach.
Both unions point to the growing use of subcontracting as a central concern. They argue it risks eroding in-house expertise and driving up costs, and also worry about what they describe as creeping privatization within the utility.
The collective agreements for both expired at the end of 2023.
Essential services would be maintained under rules overseen by the Administrative Labour Tribunal, the unions added, and said their actions were not intended to disrupt service to the public.
Louis-Olivier Batty, a Hydro-Québec spokesperson, told The Gazette the utility will not be commenting on the union dispute as it is “negotiating in good faith.”
“To ensure continuity of service to the public, our activities are subject to the requirements set by the Administrative Labour Tribunal regarding essential services,” he added.