A major Quebec labour federation has placed retail and logistics giant Amazon and Montreal's public transit corporation at the top of a concerning list. The Confederation des syndicats nationaux (CSN) has identified Amazon and the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) as the "worst employers" in Quebec for the year 2025.
The Findings of the CSN Report
The ranking, released in the final days of 2025, is based on an analysis of working conditions, labour relations, and employee treatment. The CSN, one of Quebec's largest union groups, cited persistent issues at both organizations that negatively impact their workforces. For Amazon, the focus remains on its massive DXT4 fulfillment center in Laval, a facility that has been a flashpoint for labour discussions since its opening.
The report underscores ongoing tensions regarding work intensity, monitoring practices, and unionization efforts within Amazon's Quebec operations. Similarly, the STM's placement on the list points to protracted conflicts with its employees, including disputes over contracts, working conditions, and the overall management-labor relationship within the public transit authority.
Context and Broader Labor Landscape
This designation comes amidst a dynamic period for labour relations across Canada. Notably, the report was published on December 22, 2025, as covered by journalist Joe Lofaro. The timing is significant, as it follows other major labour developments in the country, such as the recent tentative agreements reached between Canada Post and its union, with a ratification vote expected in the new year.
The CSN's "worst employers" list serves as a public accountability tool, aiming to highlight corporate and institutional practices that fall short of the standards advocated by Quebec's labour movement. It draws attention to the human resources challenges within two very different but essential sectors: global e-commerce logistics and vital municipal public service.
Reactions and Potential Implications
While specific reactions from Amazon and the STM to the 2025 list are not detailed in the initial report, such rankings typically prompt strong responses. For Amazon, the listing adds to ongoing scrutiny of its labor practices in Quebec and across North America. For the STM, which is critical to Montreal's daily functioning, the label could intensify pressure to resolve outstanding issues with its unions and improve employee morale.
The CSN's action is more than a simple ranking; it is a statement on the health of the workplace in key Quebec industries. By naming these prominent employers, the federation signals that significant improvements are needed in how employees are valued and managed. The list will likely influence public perception and could become a reference point in future negotiations and policy discussions concerning workers' rights and corporate accountability in the province.
