Quebec's Construction Commission fielded 300 calls of complaint over the two-day wildcat strikes that halted work on construction sites across the province on Oct. 24 and 25.

Out of those calls came 170 official complaints of intimidation and pressure to stop work at 200 Quebec construction sites, the most the commission has ever received.

On Oct. 24, crews walked off the job, paralyzing dozens of major building sites. Quebec's two major construction unions were protesting against Bill 33, the Liberal government's attempt to limit the power of construction unions. The illegal work stoppage spilled over into the next day, with allegations of intimidation against both entrepreneurs and other workers.

The sheer number of complaints has caused Quebec's Construction Commission to fast track about 15 investigations deemed a priority.

Bill 33 would:

  • Would force construction unions to make their finances public.
  • Would impose outside audits on construction unions.
  • Would limit union control over job placement.
  • Would allow contractors to staff their own jobs.

The head of the commission, Diane Lemieux, told reporters that two recommendations of charges will be handed to Quebec's office of penal and criminal prosecutions this week.

"Those who act illegally have to know that they will face consequences," Lemieux said, adding that she wanted those who called the commission to know that the complaints will be treated rapidly.

The commission has also sent a bill for $80,000 to the union responsible for a protest outside the Montreal headquarters of the construction commission on Oct. 11.