Blue collar workers / Traffic jam caused intentionally

Completed file:

On September 19, 2003, Mr Boris Coll filed a Motion for Authorization to Institute a Class Action against the Montreal Blue Collar Workers Union for their voluntary and illegal obstruction of an area of Old Montreal surrounding City Hall. Mr. Coll sought to obtain compensation for the inconveniences suffered by persons residing, working or passing through this sector.

On December 22, 2003, Mr. Justice François Rolland of the Quebec Superior Court authorized the institution of the class action and described the group covered as follows:

All persons who suffered inconvenience due to the voluntary and illegal obstruction by the members of the “Syndicat des cols bleus regroupés de Montréal” on September 17th 2003 of the area defined de la Commune street, Saint-Laurent Boulevard, Berri Street and Viger Avenue in Montreal.

On September 17, 2007, after a trial on the merits, the Québec Superior Court presided by Madam Justice Pierrette Sévigny ordered the Blue Collar Worker’s Union to pay $25.00 to each member of the group for the inconveniences caused by the illegal strike of September 17, 2003 for a total amount of almost $ 900,000, plus interest.

The Blue Collar Worker’s Union appealed the judgement and the the Quebec Court of Appeal overturned the decision of Justice Sévigny on April 22, 2009.

Mr Boris Col requested leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada but leave was denied such that nothing further can be done.

06/11