Breaking News: Union Representatives Forced to Work on Bosses’ Homes During Paid Hours
Quebec, [Current Date] – Union representatives of the Quebec Provincial Council of Construction Trades (Inter) have been compelled to undertake renovations on their superiors’ homes during their working hours for several years, as exposed in a recent investigative report. This revelation has sparked an urgent investigation by the Inter, emphasizing the severity of the situation and the need for immediate action.
Years of Unreported Labor
Installing ceramic tiles in an apartment building, transporting 150 cedars to beautify a courtyard, and renovating bathrooms are just some of the tasks union representatives have performed while being paid from workers’ contributions. These representatives have spent countless hours on such tasks, often falsifying their daily reports to conceal the time theft.
Admission of Guilt
Guiseppe “Joe” Missori, the former leader of the local 62 of the Inter, admitted to using his employees for personal purposes during a hearing at the Administrative Labor Tribunal (TAT). He acknowledged that union representatives, secretaries, and other staff were often tasked with performing work on his property and that of his son, Michael Missori, who succeeded him as the leader of local 62.
Legal Implications
The dismissal of Marc-André Trépanier, a union representative accused of sleeping on the job and falsifying reports, was overturned on June 5. The administrative judge, Mylène Alder, determined that management encouraged practices akin to time theft, which blurred the expectations of loyalty and proper use of working hours.
Five Years of Exploitation
Mr. Trépanier and other union representatives testified that they were repeatedly asked to perform these tasks during their working hours. They also reported falsifying their daily reports to hide the unauthorized activities. According to Mr. Trépanier, these practices continued for five years, from 2013 to 2018, amounting to the equivalent of two months of full-time work on Michael Missori’s residence.
Unacceptable Practices
Joe Missori also admitted to instructing the reduction of mileage on a vehicle’s odometer to secure a better price during an exchange. These practices have been deemed unacceptable by the Inter, which has launched an investigation into the matter.
Historical Context
This is not the first time the Inter has faced such embarrassment. In 2014, it was revealed that unionized local 144 had worked for free on the chalet of the former Provincial Council leader, Gérard Cyr. These revelations highlight the need for stricter oversight and ethical standards within the union.
Immediate Action
The Inter, disturbed and concerned by these revelations, has opened an investigation into the time theft practices within local 62. An independent expert in ethical governance will support the investigation, and Michael Missori’s right to sit on the executive committee will be scrutinized.
The union emphasizes that these practices are unacceptable and have launched a comprehensive investigation to address the issue. Michel Trépanier, the president of the Provincial Council of Quebec of the Construction Trades (Inter), stated that the union is committed to shedding light on these practices and restoring trust within the organization.
Stay tuned to archyde.com for the latest updates on this breaking news story and for in-depth analysis on the implications for the construction sector in Quebec.
