Tribunal administratif du travail – Sherbrooke, QC

Tribunal administratif du travail (TAT)

Mandate and History

The Tribunal administratif du travail (TAT) acts as the court of last resort for administrative matters related to employment and labor law in Quebec. Established on January 1, 2016, resulting from the merger of the Commission des relations du travail (CRT) and the Commission des lésions professionnelles (CLP), it unifies the adjudication of labor disputes under a single independent body. The Tribunal’s mission is to resolve disputes regarding employment conditions, labor relations, and occupational health and safety in a fair and timely manner. The Sherbrooke regional office serves the Estrie region, handling cases involving employees, employers, and unions.

Areas of Jurisdiction

• Occupational Health and Safety: The Tribunal hears appeals regarding decisions made by the CNESST concerning workplace injuries, occupational diseases, and compensation benefits.
• Labour Relations: It adjudicates disputes related to union certification, collective bargaining, and complaints of prohibited practices (such as dismissal for union activities) under the Labour Code.
• Essential Services: The TAT ensures the maintenance of essential services during strikes in public services and the health sector to protect public health and safety.
• Construction and Qualification: It handles recourse regarding the construction industry’s regulatory framework and workforce qualification issues.

Procedures and Access

The Tribunal encourages the resolution of disputes through conciliation and mediation services before proceeding to a formal hearing. Hearings are quasi-judicial, meaning they follow legal procedures but are generally less formal than criminal courts. Parties may represent themselves or be represented by a lawyer or union representative. The Sherbrooke office is located in the Complexe King, offering accessible facilities for hearings. Access to the Tribunal is generally free of charge for workers filing complaints under specific acts.