Hydro-Quebec and two of its unions are fighting in court over union flags that were displayed on the company’s fences. The Administrative Labour Tribunal dismissed complaints of interference with union activities filed by two local chapters of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) after the employer removed the flags, which had been placed on fences at a parking lot on Hydro-Quebec property in Quebec City last April as part of negotiations to renew collective bargaining agreements. The agreements expired on Dec. 31, 2023. The flags featured the slogan “high-tension work environment” and a yellow triangle, which represents a warning sign. They also bore the message “we must be part of the solution” with the websites of the two unions. The employer removed the flags, saying it violated the company’s signage rules. The unions filed complaints alleging interference with union activities, arguing that the employer’s action violated their freedom of expression. The Tribunal, however, dismissed the complaints, ruling that the employer was responding to union actions by enforcing rules adopted 22 years ago. This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Sept. 30, 2026.
