Event
Francization, a strong union commitment: SEU 800 on the front line for its members
25 March 2025
Francization is much more than simply learning a language: it is an essential tool for social, economic, and cultural integration. Aware of this reality, the Service Employees’ Union, Local 800 (SEU 800), has been offering a francization program for several years, adapted to the realities of the workplace and accessible to all its members.
This program enables workers to improve their French skills while strengthening their employability and autonomy in the workplace. At a time when the protection and promotion of the French language are more crucial than ever, SEU 800 continues to invest in the training of its members to help them build a professional future that matches their aspirations.
Why is francization essential?
Learning French at work goes far beyond acquiring language skills. It is a powerful lever for better working conditions and new professional opportunities:
- Greater access to better-paying jobs
Many positions require at least a basic knowledge of French, which can be a barrier for some workers. Francization allows our members to qualify for more skilled and better-paid roles. - Stronger ability to defend one’s rights
Understanding a collective agreement, negotiating with an employer, and asserting one’s rights all require a solid grasp of French. An informed worker is an empowered worker. - Smoother integration into the workplace
Effective communication among colleagues and with management fosters better collaboration and a more inclusive work environment. - Active participation in Québec society
Learning French also means embracing Québec’s culture and history, which promotes greater social integration and civic engagement.
31st annual meeting of the FTQ francization committees
Held under the theme “Ensemble, pour le français au travail”, the 31st annual meeting brought together over 70 participants from FTQ-affiliated unions at the Maison de l’Arbre Frédérick-Back in Montréal’s Botanical Garden on March 18.
In her address, Valérie Boudreau, Coordinator for Research and Program Evaluation, emphasized the importance of stronger regulatory frameworks to protect the use of French at work. With recent changes to the Charter of the French Language, employers in Québec must now meet stricter criteria before requiring knowledge of English for a given position. According to the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF), an employer must demonstrate that the requirement is essential for the duties involved, and that no current employee is able to fulfill those duties.
A 2023 survey revealed that 25% of Québec companies required English proficiency in their most recent recruitment process, with even higher rates in Montréal. Moreover, some companies continue to favour bilingual candidates, even when the position does not require it. The OQLF continues to monitor the situation to uphold workers’ language rights and protect the place of French in the workplace.
Alongside many other speakers, the event featured presentations by Benoît Dubreuil, Québec’s French Language Commissioner, and Branislav Rugani of the Confédération Force Ouvrière (FO) in France. Participants exchanged views on their workplace realities and discussed concrete solutions to strengthen the use of French at work.
Budget cuts threaten access to francization
Unfortunately, many workers across Québec are losing access to these essential services due to government-imposed budget cuts. These cuts have led to the closure of numerous francization classes across several regions, leaving thousands stuck on lengthy waiting lists.
School service centres, forced to suspend their courses, have deprived many immigrant and newly arrived workers of access to vital French training. This is especially concerning in the industrial and service sectors, where French proficiency is key to both integration and career advancement.
According to SEU 800’s leadership:
“If Québec truly wants to defend French as a common language, it is essential to maintain and expand access to francization programs. SEU 800 is calling for renewed government commitment to ensure francization does not become a privilege reserved for the few.”
SEU 800: A key player in protecting the French language
In the face of today’s challenges, SEU 800 remains a committed and essential force in promoting and defending the use of French in the workplace.
“At SEU 800, we believe francization is a priority, and we will continue to defend its funding and accessibility. We encourage our members to take advantage of the training opportunities available and to actively engage in learning French,” says Thao T. Dao, SEU 800 Activity Coordinator.
The organization remains vigilant in the face of ongoing budget threats. Every worker must have the opportunity to live and work in French—free of financial or administrative barriers.
Francization is not merely a linguistic issue; it is a vital tool for professional growth and social inclusion. SEU 800 will continue its efforts to ensure universal access to francization and to defend the fundamental right to work in French.
Let’s stay mobilized for francization and stand together to defend the right to work in French!
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