The construction arm of the Quebec Federation of Labour is at the centre of another controversy, this time over allegations organized criminals manipulated an election for a new director.
The construction union - the province's most powerful in that industry - voted in a new president and director general in November 2008 after President Jean Lavall�e retired and Director General Jocelyn Dupuis resigned following an expense-account controversy.
Richard Goyette won the election by a slim majority after candidate Dominic Berube pulled out on voting day.
The union denies allegations the Hells Angels coerced the move, but the National Assembly is calling for an inquiry.
"We suspect the union has been infiltrated by organized crime," said ADQ leader Sylvie Roy Wednesday. Roy's party and the Parti Quebecois said there is a widespread problem not only with the union, but also with employers in the construction industry.
The suggestion follows widespread raids last April into the Hells Angels' supposed infiltration of the labour group.
The Quebec Federation of Labour scoffed at the allegations. Secretary General Rene Roy said that sore over the election defeat, the opponents are simply trying to stir up trouble.
"I think they're just s*** disturbers," said Roy.
Public security minister Jacques Dupuis said he is concerned about the subject and that the government is open to public inquiry after the Surete du Quebec close their case.
These kinds of controversies can't continue, he said.
"It has to stop, that's obvious," said Dupuis.
