MCK issues correction/clarification re: Interim Agreement

06/03/2011

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke is issuing a correction/clarification in regard to yesterday’s announcement concerning the signing of the Interim Agreement on Certain Conditions Applicable to Kahnawake Workers on Honoré-Mercier Bridge Contract B.

In the press release dated 2, Ohiarí:ha/June, the following information regarding the reinstatement of several ironworkers was incorrect:

“Regarding the issue of the eleven union ironworkers who had to leave the ‘Contract A’ portion of the work, Québec has committed to having these workers fully reinstated by the union, without penalty.” 

This is the correct information:

Regarding the issue of a number of union ironworkers who chose to continue working on Contract A and were subjected to punitive actions by the union, Québec has committed to having these workers fully reinstated by the union, without penalty.

Another group of union ironworkers did leave Contract A in response to threats from the union. However, as they left on their own volition, they remain in ‘good standing’ with their union and, as a result, do not need to be reinstated. These ironworkers will be eligible to work on Contract B.

Please be reminded that any ironworker or tradesman who wishes to work on the Contract B portion of the Mercier Bridge must apply to the Kahnawà:ke Trades Qualification Program in order to be eligible.

This interim agreement achieves the goal of meeting the requirements of the 1932 Order-in-Council that requires Kahnawà:ke workers have priority for works on the Mercier Bridge by removing the roadblocks that exist in current Québec laws. It gives Quebec the means to amend its laws to formally recognize Kahnawà:ke’s jurisdiction in several matters of labor on the Mercier Bridge.