Some judges refused to sit in Montreal courthouses today because constables that provide security were wearing jeans and camouflage pants. Police officers have been wearing colourful attire and baseball caps since 2014 as a pressure tactic in their ongoing labour dispute over pension reforms.
Judges require a level of decorum in their courtrooms and are free to suspend sessions if they are not satisfied. Today, court activities resumed in about 20 minutes after constables changed into their uniforms.
Pink fatigues at funeral
Montreal’s mayor expressed outrage earlier this week when police wore bright clothing to the state funeral for a former premier of Quebec. The premier of the province says he will introduce measures this fall to force officers to wear their uniforms. Wearing colourful clothing is one of the few ways police have to apply pressure in labour negotiations.
Firefighters also affected by the pension reforms have protested by painting their trucks black and applying stickers to them. Other municipal workers affected by the changes have adopted similar tactics.
For reasons beyond our control, and for an undetermined period of time, our comment section is now closed. However, our social networks remain open to your contributions.