Even if the drivers of the Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC) went on strike on Saturday, the rule that employees of the state of Quebec had to report to work two days a week would remain in place, the Syndicat des Professions du regretted Government of Quebec.
Guillaume Bouvrette, The president of the Quebec Government’s Syndicate of Professionals (SPGQ) said he wanted to appeal to “common sense”.
The latter stressed that it is to be expected that more citizens would be forced to drive to work when there were no buses.
In his view, keeping compulsory attendance – even if it is only two days a week – would only complicate the situation further.
“If people can minimize the impact of traffic for themselves, but also for all people who may be affected, then why not allow teleworking?” he wondered. If the instruction comes from above, it would be easier. »
flexibility and agility
The Treasury Board Secretariat responded to our questions: “It is recommended that departments and agencies demonstrate flexibility and agility in managing the work schedules of employees who typically use public transportation to get to work, and in doing so to respect the “negotiated working conditions”.
The RTC has forwarded our questions on this issue to the Quebec government.
Negotiations “Day and Night”
On the other hand, Maude Mercier Larouche, President of the RTC, said in a press conference on Thursday afternoon that the intense negotiations with the drivers’ union would last “day and night” until 4:30 a.m. on Saturday July 1 (ie the official time at which a strike could start , which could last from July 1 to July 16).
Should there be a walkout on Saturday, talks between the parties would continue, RTC management argued. A press conference at the Festival d’été de Québec, which starts on July 6, is planned for next Tuesday to take stock of the situation, Ms Mercier Larouche said.
Should a labor dispute arise, there would be no question for the RTC management to play “scab” by offering any services in a roundabout way, she assured.
Without saying whether the RTC will file a request for judicial review, President Mercier Larouche renewed her criticism of the “precedent” set by the Administrative Larouche Tribunal’s (TAT) decision, which recently ruled that essential services were not required be. at the RTC in the event of a strike.
On the other hand, the RTC has announced that in the event of a strike, a refund procedure will be implemented for most passes purchased by users.
The drivers’ union declined to respond Thursday afternoon.
– In collaboration with Stéphanie Martin