Labour agreement officially adopted in Quebec National Assembly

12/05/2014

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke wishes to inform the community that the Labour Agreement (“The Agreement”) on Construction and Occupational Safety officially come into force on Thursday, December 4th.

The Quebec National Assembly has modified existing Labour laws to coincide with terms outlined in the Agreement.

The agreement, announced in October, 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 also addresses issues that specifically relate to the Kateri Memorial Hospital Center expansion project.

"With the signing of this agreement, our jurisdiction to build a strong qualified workforce is recognized and it will be promoted and supported by our own labor office," said Chief Rhonda Kirby, who holds the MCK’s Health and Labour portfolios. "It′s encouraging to see that our younger community members will have more opportunities to gain knowledge and expertise in a variety of trades."
 
Some of the highlights of the agreement include:
•    Creation of a Kahnawà:ke Labour Office to provide client 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
   
“As I stated before, we must acknowledge this government for their willingness work together to tackle these issues head on,” said Chief Lloyd Phillips, Inter-governmental Portfolio Chief responsible for Quebec/Kahnawà:ke Relations. “I also believe it’s important to let our people know that we have a solid agreement.”