Tribunal administratif du travail – Trois-Rivières, QC

Tribunal administratif du travail (TAT) Trois-Rivières

The Tribunal administratif du travail (TAT) in Trois-Rivières serves as the regional hub for administrative justice in the fields of employment and labour relations for the Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec regions. Located in the downtown area at 100 Rue Laviolette, this tribunal was established in 2016 following the merger of the Commission des lésions professionnelles (CLP) and the Commission des relations du travail (CRT). Its primary mission is to resolve disputes between employers, workers, and unions efficiently and impartially, ensuring the fair application of Quebec’s labour laws.

Core Divisions and Jurisdictions

The Trois-Rivières office adjudicates cases across four main divisions:

• Occupational Health and Safety: This division handles the highest volume of cases, primarily appeals regarding decisions made by the CNESST concerning workplace accidents, occupational diseases, and income replacement indemnities. It also deals with preventative reassignment for pregnant or breastfeeding workers.
• Labour Relations: The tribunal decides on matters of union certification, complaints of unfair labour practices, and disputes arising from the negotiation or application of collective agreements.
• Essential Services: In the event of strikes or lockouts in public services (such as healthcare or municipal services), the TAT ensures that essential services are maintained to protect public health and safety.
• Construction Industry: It resolves jurisdictional disputes between trades and issues regarding workforce qualification cards (CCQ).

Conciliation and Hearing Process

The TAT prioritizes amicable dispute resolution. Parties are strongly encouraged to participate in conciliation sessions, which are confidential, voluntary, and free of charge. A conciliator assists the parties in reaching a mutually satisfactory settlement without the need for a formal hearing. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case proceeds to a hearing before an administrative judge. These hearings are quasi-judicial, allowing for the presentation of evidence and witness testimony, with decisions being final and binding.