FTQ‘s Research adn Education Departments: Driving Worker Empowerment and Shaping Policy
The education and research services at the Fédération des Travailleurs du Québec (FTQ), Quebec’s largest union center, are central to its mission of protecting workers and fostering positive change.These departments work in tandem to equip members with the knowledge and tools to advocate for their rights, improve working conditions, and influence policy.
“we train members to teach them to be agents of change, both in society and in their workplace,” explains Myriam zaidi, Director of the FTQ’s education department. This commitment translates into a diverse catalog of approximately 75 training programs covering topics from collective agreement negotiation and pension plans to workplace health and safety.
A key feature of the FTQ’s educational approach is a “train-the-trainer” model. While some specialized workshops, like those on group insurance, are open to all members, the majority focus on empowering union representatives to deliver training to their colleagues. Currently, around 100 active trainers operate within this network across Quebec. The education department develops its curriculum in close collaboration with an education committee comprised of representatives from each affiliated union, ensuring the training directly addresses the evolving needs and challenges faced by workers. new training is tested with groups before being rolled out province-wide. This year, new programs have been launched to support temporary migrant workers and address the link between climate change and working conditions.
Complementing the education efforts is the FTQ’s research department, which provides the data and analysis to inform the Federation’s positions and advocacy. “We don’t do basic research, our work is practical,” states Colin L’Ériger, Director of the research department.
The department’s work often involves on-the-ground investigation. Such as, in 2019, researchers met with union representatives and visited workplaces to assess the impact of new technologies on workers. These findings then feed into the FTQ’s political reflections, informing discussions at conferences, seminars, and congresses, and prompting the advancement of new bargaining strategies. The research team also regularly revisits past FTQ resolutions – finding that positions adopted as early as 1985 on technological change remain relevant today – to ensure consistency and build upon existing policy.
The research department also plays a crucial role in responding to government initiatives. It prepares briefs for public consultations, currently working on submissions related to Bills 1 and 3, and analyzes proposed legislation considering existing FTQ policy. Ultimately, the research service supports the demands and resolutions adopted by FTQ representatives, providing the evidence base for effective advocacy and ensuring the FTQ remains a powerful voice for workers in Quebec.
