On May 30, 2017, the government adopted the Act to ensure the resumption of work in the construction industry and the settlement of disputes for the renewal of the collective agreements. 

In particular, this statute provides for the four sectors of the industry that:

• Employers must ensure the resumption of work, and workers must return to work on May 31, 2017
• Employers must maintain conditions of employment  in force on April 30, 2017, until a new collective agreement takes effect
• As of the first hour worked on May 31, 2017, wage-rate must be increased by 1.8%
• A mediation period begins on May 31, 2017, and ends no later than October 30, 2017

Anyone who contravenes the provisions ensuring the resumption of work on May 31, 2017 (sections 3 to 11 of the Act) is guilty of an offense and is liable to a fine. For illustrative purposes, this means that no one may in any manner prevent or impede the resumption of construction work or contribute to slowing down, degrading or delaying the carrying out of such work, or hinder a person’s access to a job site.

For more details, read the complete text of the statute or contact your union or employer association.