Last Friday, a wave of angry workers gathered in protest in front of the Plaza Centre-Ville in Montreal, where the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal (CCMM) was hosting an event in the presence of the Minister of Labour, Jean Boulet. Boulet was set to speak on a range of economic issues, but when confronted with the protest by unionized workers, he decided to withdraw and cancel his speech.

Bill 89, which seeks to limit the duration of strikes and lockouts, constitutes an unprecedented attack on union rights in Quebec. By restricting workers’ bargaining power, this legislation could severely disrupt the balance of labour relations and weaken unions’ ability to protect their members.

Attempt by the government to pass legislation under the radar

At a time when Quebecers are worried about escalating trade tensions between Canada and the United States, the Legault government is quietly trying to impose major changes that threaten union gains. But this attempt to ram through the bill is fooling no one. Quebec workers have always defended their rights with determination, and they will not stand by and let this legislation erode their bargaining power.

Unjustified police response ratchets up the tension

Despite what was a peaceful protest, the police used pepper spray against the demonstrators, ratcheting up the tension at the event. Rather than listen to the workers’ legitimate demands, the government chose repression. This use of force against citizens defending their rights is unacceptable, and illustrates the government’s contempt for the people who drive our economy.

A mobilization that advances our agenda, but the fight continues

The cancellation of Minister Boulet’s participation in this event is a first victory and proves that mobilization works. But the battle is far from over. We must keep up the pressure on the government to force it to withdraw this unacceptable bill.

“This government is trying to silence the voice of workers, but we’re responding with determination: we will not back down,” said Daniel Cloutier, Unifor’s Quebec director. “This victory is just the beginning, and we won’t rest until Bill 89 is completely withdrawn.”

A first step

The workers of Quebec have sent a strong message: they will not give up hard-won gains without a fight. Unifor and the entire labour movement remain mobilized and ready to step up the pressure. If the government thinks it can pass this law on the sly, it is sorely mistaken. This is just the first salvo in the union’s response.