Press release
QFL reacts to the new Cabinet

François Legault tries to revamp his image by attacking workers 

The Quebec Federation of Labour (QFL) strongly condemns François Legault’s frontal attack on Quebec workers by tearing apart what remains of the Quebec model. 

“It’s clear that François Legault, the most unpopular politician Quebec has ever known, wants to cover up all his government’s failures by attacking those who built modern Quebec. Legault is looking for scapegoats. This reshuffle does not change the fact that the CAQ, throughout its actions, has only undermined social dialogue, sowed discord in Quebec society, and ultimately announced chaos,” said QFL President Magali Picard. 

“This government can still backtrack on labour relations. Labour Minister Jean Boulet has the choice to rebuild bridges with workers by repealing, among other things, his Bill 14, the ‘Boulet Act,’ which gives the government the right to end a legitimate strike. As a former management-side lawyer, the minister knows full well that this law undermines the balance of power in negotiations. He also knows that employers will refuse to negotiate in good faith in order to provoke conflicts, then beg the government to intervene. That is why the QFL is calling on all political parties aspiring to govern Quebec to make a firm and public commitment to repeal this law, which further weakens the already fragile balance of bargaining, and to include this in their election platforms. Workers must be able to negotiate their collective agreements on equal footing with their employers,” added the president. 

“Furthermore, the premier says he wants to modernize the labour relations system, no doubt because our words disturb him. And yes, our words are disturbing, because when a government attacks the legitimate rights of workers, dismantles the social safety net, and watches as the population becomes poorer, then yes, the QFL will denounce, will act, and will demand change. For the QFL, the message is clear: if you don’t defend your rights, you lose them! The QFL will be present in every forum to make workers’ voices heard,” said the president. 

“As for the environment, the QFL finds it unwise to entrust this crucial ministry to former Education Minister Bernard Drainville, a politician who swears by the third link between Quebec City and Lévis and seems unconcerned about greenhouse gas emissions. But we understand that contradictions are nothing new for the CAQ,” concluded QFL Secretary General Denis Bolduc. 

The QFL, Quebec’s largest central labour organization, represents more than 600,000 workers. 

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Translated into English by SEU 800 from the original French-language press release issued by the QFL.