One of Quebec's most controversial union representatives finally took the stand at the Charbonneau Commission Tuesday, where he denied using violence and intimidation against contractors.

Bernard "Rambo" Gauthier’s testimony is considered important, because his alleged practices led the government to modify labour laws, taking worker placement out of the hands of the unions.

Gauthier was ordered to appear before the corruption inquiry after his name and alleged actions came up repeatedly.

Taking the stand shortly before noon, Gauthier said he is a former soldier who became a heavy machinery operator in 1991 after being discharged.

In a departure from previous testimony from union representative, Gauthier spoke politely, without cursing, and answered all questions asked of him.

He explained how he earned his nickname of Rambo in the mid-90s because of an altercation with Hydro Quebec security forces.

For reasons that were not explained, Gauthier said he was spying on the guards and managed to sneak underneath their barracks. His cell phone rang, the guards heard it, but could not find him.

When Gauthier managed to get away without being spotted, his co-workers began calling him Rambo.

Gauthier wanted to be essential

Gauthier said that despite other testimony, his union local was almost alone in following provincial rules regarding contract work.

He said that if contractors won bids and brought in outside workers it was only because they failed to respect union contracts, and he was not shy about informing employers of his believed rights.

The core of his testimony focused on what he claims were his efforts to bring order in the construction industry on the North Shore.  He claims contractors, far from being victims, were known to bend the rules and underpay workers desperate for work. 

Suspicious, Justice France Charbonneau, asking him why contractors had to go through him to hire the workers they wanted.

“We wanted to make sure we wouldn’t be ignored,” he said, because it was the only way to get local workers to get jobs, without playing favourites and making sure they get full salaries and benefits. 

Gauthier said without using him, employers would often end up with less skilled workers or with problems on job sites, and said people who accept less-generous conditions in order to work are "prostitutes."

Justice France Charbonneau questioned that, asking "So [employers] needed to go through you to avoid troublemakers?"

Gauthier said that was indeed the case, at which Charbonneau rolled her eyes.

Gauthier may be considered a thug in Montreal and elsewhere in Quebec, but many on the North Shore consider the union rep a folk hero, fighting to save jobs in the region.

Gauthier said he makes no excuses for organizing demonstrations.

“Yes, I lacked class, and yes, I was intimidating, but our goal was to change things,” he said, deflecting any blame for violence or intimidation.

“You're aware it can get out of control,” said Charbonneau. 

“I'm aware, but I can't stop everyone,” he said.

His testimony resumes Wednesday.