
Québec’s Bold Proposal: Empowering Authorities to Safeguard Public Welfare During Work Stoppages
On February 19, 2025, Québec Minister of Labour Jean Boulet introduced Bill 89, which would amend the Québec Labour Code and related provisions to safeguard the well-being of the population by maintaining necessary services during strikes or lock-outs. According to the bill, the goal is to prevent “disproportionat[e]” impacts on “social, economic or environmental security,” especially for vulnerable populations.
The legislative changes would apply to all employers and unions under provincial jurisdiction in Québec, with the exception of the health and public service sectors, which already have specific provisions to maintain a wide range of services.