Four McGill University associations representing more than 500 academic staff have filed a court challenge against Quebec’s Bill 89, An Act to give greater consideration to the needs of the population in the event of a strike or a lock-out.
The associations are seeking an immediate declaration that the legislation is unconstitutional and invalid, arguing that it infringes on core labour rights, including the right to strike and freedom of association.
Adopted in May, the bill empowers the provincial government to limit or end strikes and enforce minimum service levels at public institutions, including universities.
The four associations represent academic staff in the School of Continuing Studies, the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Law.
