Quebec Forest Fire Workers Vote for Strike Mandate as Summer Wildfire Season Approaches

Quebec’s forest fire agency workers have overwhelmingly voted in favor of a strike mandate, with a 99 percent approval rate as the summer wildfire season looms ahead.

Represented by the Unifor union, which includes firefighters, communications staff, and mechanics, members have been granted the ability to strike “at the opportune moment.”

Last year, workers at the Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU) were highly active during an unprecedented wildfire season.

Negotiations have hit an impasse despite the involvement of a mediator, with disputes revolving around issues like salaries, vacations, and workforce mobility.

Under Quebec law, SOPFEU employees are required to maintain essential services during a strike.

With approximately 450 employees, the forest fire protection service reported slightly above-average fire incidents in April, with 52 fires covering around 46 hectares.

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