MONTREAL – The Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec (FTQ) launched its annual Semaine du français au travail campaign today, March 16, 2026, reaffirming the right of workers in Quebec to work in French. The week-long initiative, running through March 22, aims to mobilize workers and employers to recognize and uphold French as the common and normal language of work.
Olivier Carrière, Secretary General of the FTQ, stated the campaign serves to celebrate and recall the rights secured through decades of struggle by civil society and the labor movement. “The FTQ, its affiliated unions and its regional councils who are defending French all year round take advantage of the Week of French at work to celebrate and recall the gains won through hard work by civil society and the labor movement in terms of language rights,” Carrière said, according to a press release.
This year’s campaign comes amid concerns over recent cuts to francization programs, which the FTQ argues contribute to ongoing linguistic insecurity in many workplaces. Carrière noted that, with the Quebec budget expected soon, there is no indication that these cuts will be reversed, emphasizing the need for continued mobilization.
The FTQ is encouraging workplaces to visibly support the campaign and is hosting the 32nd annual Rencontre annuelle des comités de francisation on Tuesday, March 17. The organization is also inviting workers from all sectors to organize or participate in activities celebrating the French language.
The Semaine du français au travail has been observed for many years, providing a thematic week to celebrate the French language, recognize the commitment of unions in promoting the right to work in French, and underscore the importance of continuing efforts to protect the language within Quebec businesses. The FTQ highlighted the inclusive nature of promoting French as a common language, particularly within workplaces.
A documentary excerpt, “Langue à l’ouvrage – Migrer vers le français au travail,” is being promoted as part of the week’s events, with the full film available on the FTQ’s website. Further information and resources for the Semaine du français au travail can be found at ftq.qc.ca/semaine-du-francais-2026.
Leave a Reply