Turbulence Within the Ranks: The Growing Conflict at the RTL Union
What happens when the organization designed to protect workers becomes the source of their distress? This is the harrowing reality currently facing the drivers of the Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL). In a shocking turn of events, tensions within the union have reached a breaking point, with many members now considering taking their own representatives to court.
The situation has escalated significantly following the return of Marc Gingras to the executive board. Allegations have surfaced suggesting that Gingras secured his position through intimidation and by actively preventing other members from running against him.
The ‘Clique’ and Allegations of Workplace Bullying
Internal sources describe a toxic environment dominated by a small, powerful group—often referred to as “the clique.” Members who are not part of this inner circle report feeling ignored and marginalized. One member bluntly stated, “If you aren’t part of the clique, they don’t help you. They just don’t care.”
The accusations against Marc Gingras are particularly severe. Drivers claim he physically blocked the ballot box during elections to ensure no other candidacies were filed, with colleagues reportedly taking turns guarding the box to prevent democratic participation. One source compared the behavior to that of a “schoolyard bully” who never grew up.
The Legal Fight: Invoking Article 47.2
Faced with a perceived lack of internal justice, several drivers are preparing to file complaints with the Administrative Labour Tribunal. They are specifically invoking Article 47.2 of the Labour Code.
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- What is Article 47.2? This specific legal provision allows a unionized employee to file a complaint against their own union if the organization demonstrates bad faith, arbitrary decision-making, discrimination, or negligence.
The desperation of the workers is evident; many have requested anonymity, fearing retaliation from the executive board.
Contractual Errors and Silencing Dissent
The internal strife has had tangible consequences on the drivers’ working conditions. A recent collective agreement, passed by a slim majority (56% vs 44%), reportedly contains a critical error in Article 25.5. This mistake effectively leaves injured or disadvantaged employees without real reparation when route assignments are adjusted.
When one driver attempted to organize a collective complaint via Facebook to correct this error, the response from the union executive was not support, but legal threats. The driver was served with formal notices demanding the removal of the post, eventually forcing them to withdraw the complaint under pressure.
A President Under Fire
Even the current union president, Jean-François Lussier, has not been immune to the hostility. Lussier recently revealed in a public post that the majority of the union team has made it clear they do not want him in power. He described a daily environment of harassment, where he is mocked and discouraged from continuing his duties.
Lussier also highlighted that members who voted for him have faced verbal and physical threats, further illustrating the deep divide within the organization.
The Official Response
The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), the parent union to which the RTL drivers are affiliated, has stated that Marc Gingras denies the allegations and that they are currently analyzing complaints sent to their harassment and conflict prevention office (BIPH). Meanwhile, the local union has issued a statement denying all allegations of intimidation and corruption in their entirety.
However, documented evidence, including a resignation letter from former president Marc Rudd, suggests a long-standing pattern of toxicity. Rudd previously cited a “toxic climate” and a lack of communication as the primary reasons for his departure in 2019, warning that the union was heading toward a state of trusteeship.
