Correctional officers protest, Quebec takes matters to court

Quebec says it has “taken steps” with the Administrative Labour Tribunal following protests held by correctional officers on Wednesday morning outside several facilities across Quebec, including some courthouses.

The Treasury Board stated that it wanted to “ensure compliance with the applicable legal framework” as negotiations continue with the Union of Correctional Officers, part of the Fédération des employé(e)s de services publics (FEESP), affiliated with the Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN).

The union represents some 2,900 members working in 17 detention facilities.

On Wednesday morning, uniformed officers demonstrated in front of several public security-related facilities and courthouses.

Their collective bargaining agreement expired on March 31, 2023, at the same time as other workers in the public and parapublic sectors.

The union says it is fighting for greater recognition of its members after other government employees secured a 17.4 per cent pay increase over five years.

It states that its members work under difficult conditions, dealing with street gangs, tensions in the facilities, drones and other challenges.

It also argues that there is a staffing shortage.

The office of Treasury Board President France-Élaine Duranceau stated that “discussions with the union are ongoing to reach an agreement satisfactory to all. We remind you that we have reached an agreement with 99 per cent of public and parapublic sector employees.”

The office declined to comment further, “given the ongoing negotiations.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on May 20, 2026.