Quebec Labor Relations Board To Hold Hearing On NHLPA Filing

The Quebec Labor Relations Board has scheduled an emergency hearing for today on the NHLPA’s application asking the provincial board to declare any lockout of the Canadiens a violation of labor laws in the province. At least 16 Canadiens players joined the union in the filing. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said in an e-mail, “We don’t agree with their interpretation of the law and we will respond appropriately.” 

NHLPA general counsel Don Zavelo said that the board could grant the order, deny the order or decide not to act on Friday without deciding the final merits of the NHLPA’s claim. Zavelo: “If it does this and the Canadiens go ahead and lock out players on Saturday, it would be our position that the Club does so at its own risk.”