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A look back at the 34th QFL Convention

Held from November 24 to 27, 2025, the 34th convention of the Quebec Federation of Labour marked a pivotal moment as the federation’s 33 affiliated unions came together to debate and vote on more than 150 resolutions. Over four days, hundreds of delegates exercised their democratic rights, united by discussion, debate, and a shared determination to defend workers’ rights.

A week that began on the ground

Even before the convention’s official opening, UES 800 was already taking action. On Monday morning, our interim president, Marie Deschênes, spoke at a press conference at the Quebec National Assembly alongside MNA Alexandre Leduc. Together, they emphasized the fundamental importance of collective agreement decrees, following reports suggesting that the Ministry of Labour was considering their abolition. From the outset, the tone of the week was clear: vigilance, mobilization, and the proactive defence of our collective gains.

A convention marked by high political tension

The convention took place in a particularly tense political climate. In the fall of 2025, Bills 1, 2, and especially Bill 3 crystallized the anger of the labour movement. Dialogue with the CAQ government had broken down, and this rupture was clearly reflected in the debates on the convention floor.

Unsurprisingly, an emergency resolution was unanimously adopted, affirming the defence of union autonomy and the right to political action. The message to the government was unequivocal: unions will not remain silent in the face of attempts to limit their role and their ability to represent workers.

The voice of UES 800 at the heart of the debates

Throughout the convention, members of UES 800 took the floor to defend resolutions deeply rooted in workplace realities, including:

• defending workers against tariffs,

• protecting temporary migrant workers,

• safeguarding collective agreement decrees,

• ensuring access to affordable housing,

• advancing reproductive justice,

• providing French-language training paid for during working hours,

• securing stable funding for education,

• and continuing mobilization against legislation that undermines union rights.

These interventions served as a reminder that behind every resolution are real lives, real working conditions, and daily struggles faced by workers.

Parliamentary hearings and solidarity in action 

On Tuesday, while the convention continued, QFL President Magali Picard appeared before a parliamentary committee on Bill 3. She spoke out unequivocally against legislation that restricts union representation rights. While her tone drew criticism from some commentators, it was met with strong applause from delegates the following day. For members, the message was clear: when faced with a bill that is deeply harmful to workers, complacency is not an option.

That same solidarity was on display when workers involved in the dispute at Beaulieu Canada shared their struggle with the convention. Greeted by a standing ovation, they reminded everyone that the convention is also a space where labour conflicts take on a human face.

Beyond formal debates, the convention was also marked by moments of connection and solidarity. On Monday evening, SEU 800 members held a caucus to take stock of the issues ahead, discuss their positions, and strengthen internal cohesion. 

Confirmed leadership, continued mobilization 

From a democratic standpoint, the elections unanimously confirmed Magali Picard as president of the FTQ. Olivier Carrière was elected secretary general, succeeding Denis Bolduc. 

At the close of the convention, delegates gathered outside the National Assembly for a lunchtime demonstration, offering a preview of the large inter-union march that would take place the following Saturday. It was a powerful reminder to elected officials that the labour movement stands united, organized, and ready to make its voice heard. 

This 34th QFL convention will be remembered as an intense and deeply mobilizing week. For SEU 800, it was an opportunity to assert its priorities, defend the interests of its members, and build connections that go beyond the boundaries of individual units and organizations. One thing is clear: despite the tensions, union solidarity remains strong and very much alive!