Anticipated Disruptions and Unrest According to FTQ
In Quebec, labor unions are seething over the Legault government's intention to curtail striking rights with Bill 89. TheFTQ, led by Magali Picard, threatens to crusade against the CAQ in the upcoming elections, predicting "demonstrations and turmoil."
Charles Lecavalier of our site reported that Picard, following an extended meeting with Prime Minister François Legault, commented, "What we also told the Prime Minister who said that the population will be with him because people don't like strikes, is that people don't like protests and chaos either."
Picard foresees a repeat of the Maple Spring election results if the bill passes, as voters might opt to halt the pressure tactics, irrespective of their stance on student strikes. The meeting, being held on International Workers' Day, left Picard and her fellow union leaders, Caroline Senneville (CSN), Eric Gingras (CSQ), and Luc Vachon (CSD), feeling not just disheartened but "difficult."
The union leaders vigorously oppose Bill 89, proposed by Labour Minister Jean Boulet, which outlines the right to strike. Boulet wields two substantial powers. First, he extends the concept of essential services throughout the private sector and education, enabling intervention if he deems public safety, economic wellbeing, or the environment to be at risk.
Second, Boulet can unilaterally terminate a strike or lockout and assign an arbitrator to decide working conditions. Legal experts warn of the government granting itself excessive discretionary power.
Picard assures that the FTQ will stand firm and continue to stage logical, coordinated, and orderly protests until a government listens to workers' demands.
Legault remains oblivious to the implications of the legislation, Picard claims, with the premier showing signs of being overhwelmed by the bill itself. Picard also makes a pledge to Legault, stating, "For the FTQ, this will be the issue of the next election. If Bill 89 is adopted, I guarantee you that our lobby will be made with all the opposition parties to get them to publicly commit and include it in their platform to repeal the law..."
Senneville echoed this sentiment, pointing out that via unionized workers, Quebec possesses a substantial voting bloc, making it unlikely for the bill to inhibit demonstrations.
By restricting the right to strike, Legault and Boulet risk antagonizing employees who resort to strike votes to combat for improved living conditions, Picard charges. The union leaders also bemoaned an incident where workers picketed in front of Minister Jean Boulet's personal residence, considering such pressure tactics unacceptable.
- The FTQ, led by Magali Picard, has threatened to campaign against the CAQ in the upcoming elections in Quebec, predicting demonstrations and turmoil if Bill 89, proposed by Labour Minister Jean Boulet, is passed.
- Picard foresees a repeat of the Maple Spring election results if the bill passes, as voters might opt to halt pressure tactics, irrespective of their stance on student strikes.
- Legal experts warn of the government granting itself excessive discretionary power through Bill 89, as Labour Minister Jean Boulet can unilaterally terminate a strike or lockout and assign an arbitrator to decide working conditions.
- Caroline Senneville (CSN) echoed Picard's sentiment, pointing out that Quebec possesses a substantial voting bloc of unionized workers, making it unlikely for the bill to inhibit demonstrations.
