Following a press conference held today in front of the Transport Canada Regional Headquarters near Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, the Public Service Alliance of Canada, Quebec Region (PSAC-Quebec) reiterated its concerns about mould in the building where about 250 PSAC members work.
In August 2024, backed up storm drains caused major damage in the building’s basement. In September 2024, black water overflowed from the women’s bathroom. Despite repeated complaints about the stench, remedial action—which involved the temporary closure of several areas of the building and decontamination—was taken only once the union got involved.
Then, during demolition work in early 2025, mould was discovered right next to workspaces. After a temporary closure, the building was reopened under strict conditions that required the employer to provide N95 masks to anyone who entered. Despite numerous complaints and employees exercising the right to refuse to work in unsafe conditions, damage reports have not been made accessible as required under Part II of the Canada Labour Code.
“It is absolutely absurd that, despite complaints, an employer like Transport Canada refuses to work with the union or share reports and documents confirming the work environment is safe,” said Sébastien Paquette, Executive Vice‑President for PSAC‑Quebec. “We are calling for full transparency and tangible action. The only saving grace is that the employer authorized remote work for the vast majority of members—a sound decision, given the circumstances.”
Additional concerns: structural issues, vibrations, vermin
Mould is just the tip of the iceberg. Structural issues are reported to have resulted in water infiltration on the upper floors and window fogging, airport construction has caused strong vibrations and vermin are ubiquitous in the building. These problems also raise health and safety concerns for our members.
In light of these concerns, PSAC-Quebec demands:
- immediate access to all reports and studies on air quality, vibrations, and vermin;
- clear, complete and consistent communication from the employer;
- an independent inquiry into how incidents are managed and a full inspection of the building and its ventilation systems; and
- meaningful and ongoing collaboration with workplace health and safety committees.
PSAC-Quebec remains fully engaged and will continue to monitor the situation closely while keeping its members and the public informed of any developments.
About PSAC-Quebec
PSAC-Quebec represents about 40,000 members in the federal public sector, in universities and in the private sector.