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“Enough is enough!” declared Réal Pleau, the President of the Fédération indépendante des syndicats autonomes (FISA).

“The tolerance shown by the mayor of East Angus, Lyne Boulanger, toward her general manager, David Fournier, has gone on long enough,” he added.

Mr. Pleau also recalled that the toxic work environment at the City of East Angus has persisted for several years, as stated in a Radio-Canada news article. As early as 2018, an external firm mandated by the Municipal Council directly linked the GM and his actions to the poor work climate. Despite this, the GM continued to act as he pleased, with the mayor’s approval.

Following complaints by the union and the GM’s behaviour (an UPAC investigation, internal incivility, public misconduct, CNESST claims, and numerous departures of unionized employees and executives), the Municipal Council once again mandated an external firm (RCGT) in 2024 to investigate the work environment.

Despite promises made by the mayor during a Municipal Council meeting to provide a copy of the report to the union and the public, the mayor limited herself to verbally sharing the recommendations. These recommendations mirrored those of 2018: issues with HR management and work environment problems directly tied to the GM. Once again, the mayor and the Municipal Council have allowed the GM to remain in place, even after stating he would not return from his medical leave.

“But this isn’t over,” added Mr. Pleau. The CNESST has just confirmed two cases of work-related injuries caused by psychological harassment by the GM against two unionized employees. It also appears that a third case, involving further psychological harassment by the GM against an executive, is under review. Additional grievances have also been filed concerning violations of the collective agreement by the GM.

Mr. Pleau expressed surprise that no one at the City is willing to take a stand and acknowledge the need to part ways with the GM. Mr. Pleau concluded that, after complaints to UPAC, grievances, external reports, and an abnormally high turnover rate for a municipality the size of East Angus, he is working with legal counsel to file a request with the Commission municipale du Québec to place the city under trusteeship.

“Enough is enough!”

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