Montreal judges refuse to sit as constables protest in jeans and camo pants

Five Quebec court judges in Montreal refused to sit this morning because special constables were wearing jeans and camouflage pants as a contract negotiation pressure tactic.

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​The constables, who provide courtroom security, want improved wages and working conditions, said union spokesman Jacques Daoust.

The union asked constables to wear jeans in the courtrooms and and camouflage pants or jeans in the hallways.

Daoust said they're not allowed to go on strike, so their options for pressure tactics are limited.

"The only thing we can do is something visual like this or stickers on our uniforms or the pants," he said.

The protest action led to a period of confusion at the courthouse.

Judges refused to hear cases until the constables put on their official uniforms inside their courtrooms. And after a delay of about an hour, they changed into their proper pants and the judges returned.

Quebec's Justice Minister Stéphanie Vallée weighed in on the controversy this morning in Quebec City, saying the constables should "dress properly" in their uniforms.

Late Thursday, the Public Security Ministry told CBC News that it intervened in the matter and confirmed there will be no more pressure tactics by the constables.

The ministry spokesperson said that Public Security Minister Lise Thériault understands that the uniform is used as a pressure tactic by unions that do not have the right to strike, but she is concerned about the lack of respect that comes with not being dressed in full uniform.

Parti Québécois Leader Pierre Karl Péladeau, meanwhile, defended the constables, saying everyone has the right to express their point of view in a labour dispute.

Montreal police officers have been wearing camouflage pants in protest since last year against the province's pension reforms.

Yesterday, Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre called on the Montreal Police Brotherhood to apologize after officers wore camouflage pants and baseball caps to the state funeral of former premier Jacques Parizeau.