The Quebec Federation of Labour (QFL) intends to be an active participant in the public debate during the election campaign now getting underway. The QFL is calling on political parties to make clear commitments in their election platforms to repeal the anti-union laws adopted by the CAQ government (Bill 4, which interferes with union governance, and Bill 14, which restricts the exercise of the right to strike), restore genuine social dialogue with civil society, and get the economy back on track.
“With Bill 14, the CAQ gave itself the power to end a strike regardless of how negotiations are progressing, thereby prolonging a dispute that can only be resolved through negotiation. It is a Christmas gift to unscrupulous employers, who now have no incentive to bargain in good faith. This law, like Bill 4, must be repealed. The trade tariff war that has become an issue in this campaign must also become an opportunity to develop our economy.
That means putting a genuine industrial policy in place. We need to be bold. We need predictability to secure quality jobs, invest in secondary and tertiary processing, and establish a real Buy Quebec policy. Targeted assistance will also be needed for businesses and workers affected by this crisis. That assistance, however, must be conditional on maintaining jobs,” says QFL President Magali Picard.
“We must remember that social dialogue has enabled Quebec to build, over time, a modern society that is open to the world. The women and men who aspire to govern Quebec must reconnect with the public and labour organizations so that we can work together to build an inclusive Quebec where everyone can live with dignity,” adds QFL General Secretary Olivier Carrière.
“The workers we represent also have a responsibility during this election period. They need to stay informed, review the various election platforms and commitments, meet with candidates, ask questions, advocate for safe, well-paying jobs and a social safety net for everyone, and vote according to their values,” the union leaders conclude.
This press release was translated from French into English by UES800.