Kahnawake, Quebec sign labour agreement

10/09/2014

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) announced today that a labour agreement has been reached between the MCK and the Government of Québec.

The agreement creates a mechanism that allows local workers and contractors to be recognized under Kahnawà:ke’s labor regime/qualifications for work done on the Territory. Quebec credentials will not be required for local workers. The agreement addresses issues that specifically relate to the Kateri Memorial Hospital Center expansion project and works on the Mercier Bridge.

“This is a good day for the Kateri Memorial Hospital, and for health care in Kahnawà:ke,” said Chief Rhonda Kirby, who holds the MCK’s Health and Labour portfolios. “The scope and funding requirements of this multi-million dollar project meant that rules and regulations had to be changed to accommodate our specific needs.”

“Additionally, this will also allow “Part B” of the Mercier Bridge works to move forward,” said Intergovernmental Relations Chief Lloyd Phillips. “It’s important to let our people know that, for this agreement, the bridge is considered by Québec to be part of the Territory.”

Some of the highlights of the agreement include:

• Creation of a Kahnawà:ke Labour Office to provide c  lient services such as training and qualifications to local workers and contractors. The Office will also assist locals seeking Québec construction credentials (CCQ, RBQ, etc.) if they wish to work outside the Territory

• Kahnawà:ke construction workers and contractors will have the option to be affiliated with a union for work on both the KMHC and Mercier Bridge projects
• Enhanced health and safety for local workers and contractors