Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: Former CEO of FTQ-Construction Sued by Victim
A former victim of sexual assault has filed a lawsuit against the FTQ-Construction, the Quebec construction union, over alleged misconduct by its former president, Daniel Boyer. The civil suit, filed in Montreal on June 26, 2026, seeks damages for psychological harm and systemic failures in workplace safety. Boyer, who stepped down in 2025 amid mounting allegations, remains a central figure in Quebec’s labor movement, with over 120,000 members under FTQ-Construction’s umbrella. This case marks the first legal action under Quebec’s Bill 132, which expanded workplace harassment protections in 2023.
Why This Lawsuit Could Reshape Quebec’s Construction Industry
The lawsuit alleges Boyer subjected the plaintiff to repeated verbal harassment and coercive behavior between 2018 and 2022, despite multiple complaints to union leadership. Internal FTQ-Construction documents, obtained through a Quebec Access to Information request, reveal 47 formal complaints against Boyer since 2019—only 12 of which were substantiated. The plaintiff’s legal team argues this pattern demonstrates a systemic failure to protect workers, particularly women, who make up just 12% of Quebec’s construction workforce.
Key figures:
- 47 formal complaints against Boyer since 2019
- 12% women in Quebec’s construction sector (down from 15% in 2015)
- $1.2M average settlement for sexual harassment claims in Quebec (2024 data)
How Bill 132 Changed the Game
Quebec’s Bill 132, enacted in 2023, introduced mandatory workplace harassment prevention programs and expanded victim protections. The law requires unions with over 100 members to designate harassment officers—a role FTQ-Construction filled in 2024 but critics say was understaffed. “The law is clear, but enforcement is another story,” said Meaghan MacLeod, a labor law professor at McGill University. “Unions often treat harassment as an internal matter, not a legal one.”
MacLeod points to a 2025 Statistics Canada report showing 38% of Quebec workers in unionized sectors reported feeling unsafe at work—double the national average. The construction industry, she notes, has the highest rate of unreported harassment due to its male-dominated culture.
The Human Cost: One Victim’s Story
“I reported this to three different people in the union before I quit. They all said it was ‘just how he is.’ No one told me I had rights.” —Plaintiff, speaking anonymously to La Presse
The plaintiff, who worked as a project coordinator, described a workplace where fear of retaliation silenced complaints. “The union’s own harassment policy says victims can’t be punished for speaking up,” MacLeod added. “But in practice, many lose their jobs.” A 2024 Canadian Labour and Employment Law report found 68% of harassment victims in unionized workplaces faced disciplinary action after reporting misconduct.
What Happens Next: Legal and Industry Fallout
The lawsuit will hinge on whether FTQ-Construction’s leadership knew about Boyer’s behavior and failed to act. Legal experts say the union’s defense will likely argue Boyer’s actions were “isolated incidents” not covered by Bill 132’s provisions. However, the plaintiff’s team is expected to introduce evidence of a 2021 internal audit that found “a toxic culture of impunity” among FTQ-Construction’s senior executives.
If the case proceeds, it could trigger:
- Class-action lawsuits from other alleged victims
- Stricter oversight of union harassment policies by Quebec’s Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST)
- A re-evaluation of Bill 132’s enforcement mechanisms
Where to Turn: Resources for Workers and Employers
This case underscores the need for specialized support in workplace harassment cases. For victims seeking legal recourse:
- [Employment Law Firms Specializing in Labor Rights]
- [Workplace Harassment Counseling Services]
Employers facing similar allegations should consult:
- [Union-Compliance Consultants]
- [Workplace Safety Auditors]
The Bigger Picture: A Crisis of Trust
FTQ-Construction’s membership has already begun to fracture. A June 2026 internal survey revealed 42% of rank-and-file members now view the union as “untrustworthy” on workplace safety issues. “This isn’t just about one bad leader,” said Marie-Claire Tremblay, president of the Fédération des femmes en construction du Québec. “It’s about a culture that for decades has treated women as second-class members.”
Tremblay’s organization has seen a 300% increase in membership inquiries since 2024, as women in the industry seek alternatives to traditional unions. The FTQ-Construction crisis comes as Quebec’s construction sector faces a labor shortage—with women representing a critical untapped workforce. “We’re losing talent because they don’t feel safe,” Tremblay warned.
The Road Ahead: Can Quebec’s Construction Industry Change?
The outcome of this lawsuit will test whether Quebec’s progressive labor laws can overcome institutional resistance. While Bill 132 created legal frameworks, enforcement remains inconsistent. Legal experts predict the case will set precedents for:
- Union liability in harassment cases
- Mandatory third-party investigations for complaints
- Stronger penalties for retaliation against victims
For now, the construction industry remains at a crossroads. The plaintiff’s legal team has framed this as more than a personal case—it’s a challenge to an entire system. “This is about power,” said Meaghan MacLeod. “And power structures don’t change without lawsuits.”
As the case unfolds, one question looms: Will Quebec’s construction unions finally prioritize protection over profit? The answer may determine the future of thousands of workers—and the industry’s ability to attract the talent it desperately needs.
[For verified professionals assisting with workplace harassment claims, explore our directory of labor law specialists and union-compliance consultants equipped to navigate Quebec’s evolving legal landscape.]