Quebec labour ministry says Metro used scabs during warehouse strike
Posted April 24, 2026 1:03 pm.
Last Updated April 24, 2026 2:00 pm.
Metro Inc. broke Quebec labour rules by using scabs during a warehouse strike in Montreal, according to inspectors from the Quebec Ministry of Labour.
The inspectors visited Metro facilities on April 3, shortly after workers began a general strike at two distribution centres. They concluded that the company brought in replacement workers to continue operations, which is restricted under the Labour Code.
A scab is someone hired or assigned to do the jobs of employees who are on strike. Companies sometimes use them to keep business running during labour disputes, but their use is limited by law in Quebec.
The report also says Metro went beyond what is legally allowed by using replacement workers to move non-perishable goods during the strike.
In a statement to CityNews, Metro denied hiring replacement workers and violating labour rules.
“The measures put in place to continue to meet the needs of customers throughout Quebec in a responsible manner that fully complies with the applicable legal framework.”
The company also said that the union was making “unreasonable wage demands” which was slowing down the negotiation process.
Union leaders from the Confédération des syndicats nationaux criticized the company, saying it should focus on negotiating with workers instead of bypassing labour rules.
