Under the Quebec law, an employer cannot lock out its employees unless they are represented by a union. The NHLPA is not a certified trade union according to the Quebec labor board.
The Canadiens players are represented by Attorney Michael Cohen in this case.
If the Quebec labor board agrees, it would require the Canadiens to put an end to the lockout if the current Collective Bargaining Agreement expires on Sept. 15.
This demand could force the Canadiens to start their training camp on time and could also allow the Habs to play against other teams in Canada, if similar requests are accepted by the other provincial authorities.
The Habs' players' ultimate goal is to prevent the NHL to impose a lockout as the players' wish is to avoid a work stoppage during ongoing negotiations.
The NHLPA has informed the League that players are willing to play and continue to negotiate of an agreement isn't reached by Saturday.
The NHL and NHLPA have yet to schedule a face-to-face meeting for this week.
