Quebec's ironworker's union is questioning a large-scale repair job on the Mercier Bridge.
The job is being handled by a consortium of Kahnawake-based contractors which the union says hired unqualified workers. The workers are paid under the table and do not receive benefits, said the steelworkers.
"We recommend to the government that a full and complete inspection be done," said Jacques Dubois of the Ironworkers Union, Local 711.
While the Quebec construction commission said it would not react to the accusations until it receives a formal complaint, the consortium's chairman told union leader Dubois he isn't pleased.
"Jacques, we replaced 50 of the most critical parts of the bridge. You should know that," said Wayne Rice of the Mohawk Bridge Consortium.
The Mohawk contractors said they're not bound by Quebec's construction laws and regulations and they have their own regulatory bodies.
"The union, Mr. Dubois, isn't happy because the job on the bridge is a non-union job," said Rice.
