Strikebreaker employment by Héroux-Devtek will face termination
Ongoing Strike at Héroux-Devtek's Laval Plant
The strike at Héroux-Devtek's Laval plant, involving 106 unionized workers, has been ongoing since July 9, 2025, following a 24-hour strike. The latest development in this dispute is a partial ruling by the Tribunal administratif du travail (TAT) ordering Héroux-Devtek to cease using strikebreakers at the Laval factory.
The TAT's order specifically condemns the employer's use of three non-unionized workers to perform tasks usually done by union members, such as forklift operation. This was found to violate Article 109.1 of Quebec's Labor Code, which aims to uphold balance in labor disputes such as strikes or lockouts.
Héroux-Devtek, however, argues that the workers in question were managers and therefore not "employees" within the meaning of the labor code. The company has expressed concern that all efforts are not currently focused on finding a responsible, reasonable, and balanced solution.
The union, the Syndicat des travailleuses et travailleurs de Héroux-Devtek, had alleged that these workers were performing tasks that should be reserved for union members. The union's president, Larry Pugh, accused Héroux-Devtek of "circumventing the impacts of its own lockout."
The TAT's order does not affect the suspension of services at the Laval plant, which was announced by Héroux-Devtek at the beginning of July. The union's demands include a wage catch-up compared to competing companies, and the union is currently in a conciliation process with Héroux-Devtek.
Mr. Pugh stated that Héroux-Devtek must cease using strikebreakers and fairly compensate the work of union employees. Héroux-Devtek, on the other hand, deplored that its statements were not taken into account in the TAT's order.
According to the lockout notice sent to the Ministry of Labor, a total of 106 workers are affected. The TAT's judgment reveals that the union represents 115 employees at the Laval plant, while 47 non-unionized employees also work there.
The situation remains contested, with the union actively opposing the company's use of non-union workers during the lockout period at the Laval facility. No information was found regarding the strike ending or resolution of the dispute beyond this tribunal order.
[1] Reference for further reading: https://www.tat.gouv.qc.ca/fr/decisions/2025/2025-07-29-18-32-55-1410476.pdf
- The science of workplace-wellness and health-and-safety in the industry of finance and aerospace might have significant insights for the on-going labor dispute at Héroux-Devtek's Laval plant, providing valuable data on strike resolution and balancing the concern of both employers and employees.
- As the TAT's order shows, the science of labor law and its interpretation in theáll context of the Quebec Labor Code is crucial in determining violations in strikes, lockouts, or the use of non-unionized workers during these disputes.
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