Unions and community organizations united at Place du Canada in Montreal on Saturday for a significant demonstration dubbed “In the Streets for Quebec,” protesting against the CAQ government’s policies.
Marching towards Premier François Legault’s and Labour Minister Jean Boulet’s offices, the demonstrators voiced their opposition to budget cuts, anti-union measures, and legislation that jeopardizes workers’ rights and freedoms.
Individuals like a retired FAE teachers union member from Saint-Eustache expressed their concerns, stating, “The government of Mr. Legault has been attacking unions and union rights, which ultimately impacts the rights of the people. This is why I am here today.”
Céline, a retired employee from Quebec’s correctional institutions, emphasized the importance of standing up for workers’ rights and ongoing negotiations with the government.
The demonstration coincided with the impending enforcement of Bill 14 by Boulet on November 30, empowering the government to swiftly resolve labor disputes.
Bertrand Guibord, president of Conseil Central du Montreal Métropolitain-CSN, highlighted the adverse effects of such laws on bargaining dynamics, citing an example involving the Société de Transport de Montreal.
Originally a union-driven protest, the event morphed into a broader expression of civil society’s discontent with the CAQ government’s right-wing policies.
A notable concern raised was regarding Bill 3, which seeks to limit unions’ use of dues for purposes beyond essential functions like bargaining and working conditions. This restriction could potentially hinder the organization of similar protests in the future.
Frederic, a CSN member, noted the complexities that would arise if union dues became optional, making it challenging to sustain the system effectively.
Guibord underscored the critical nature of the moment, emphasizing that the government’s proposed changes could regress Quebec’s social and democratic progress significantly. Protecting citizens’ rights to influence political decisions was deemed paramount.
