Union Opposition to Bill 89

The proposed legislation, known as Bill 89, has ignited strong opposition from unions across Quebec.Hundreds of union members from eight major organizations-FTQ, FIQ, CSN, APTS, CSQ, FAE, SFPQ, and SPGQ-converged on the National Assembly to protest the bill, which is currently undergoing detailed review in committee.

Pierre Bolduc, a representative of the FTQ, voiced strong objections: The current negotiation regime in Quebec is fine, it does the job and there is no need for a bill that bruises our right to free negotiation, our right to strike and which was recognized by the supreme Court. He added, We are going to fight until the end, even if the bill is adopted, we will continue to demonstrate.

Key Provisions of the Bill

Bill 89 grants Minister Boulet significant powers, including the authority to end strikes or lockouts and mandate an arbitrator to dictate working conditions.the bill also broadens the definition of essential services to include the private sector and education. The minister could intervene if he believes that the social, economic or environmental security of the population is at risk.

Union Concerns and Legal Challenges

Unions view the bill as a direct assault on their right to strike and to exert pressure during negotiations. They are demanding that the Quebec government scrap the legislative text. Labor law experts who testified in parliamentary committee this winter also noted that the Legault government would have exorbitant discretion under the proposed law.

Caroline Senneville, president of the CSN, stated, There are great sides of this bill there that will not resist the tests of the courts and that, the minister knows it. She also indicated that they would file a complaint with the International Labor Organization, emphasizing, It is really clear that the adoption of this bill is not the end of history.

Government’s Stance

despite the opposition, the Quebec government remains firm in its position. Mr. Boulet stated,We are the champions in Quebec in terms of strike. This bill will be beneficial for Quebecers. He added that the detailed study of the bill is very advanced.

Contrasting Approaches to Labor Relations

Unions have criticized Minister Boulet and Premier François Legault for a lack of dialog and willingness to listen. Ms. Senneville noted, They may well say that unions are not talking, but never, never, never and I insist, never told us about [de leurs intentions] And that frustrates us.

In contrast, unions have praised Sonia Lebel, who is currently reviewing public sector collective agreement negotiations. The president of the Treasury Board, she spoke to us before. she told us what her goals were,how we could get there together … […] And there, really [avec Jean boulet] There is a break in trust, Ms. Senneville added.

Pierre Bolduc of the FTQ suggested that Minister Boulet is taking revenge for the last public sector negotiation. I see it as a type of revenge against unions. We try to reduce their balance of power, it is indeed completely unbalanced with a bill like this. The bosses are just going […] have to go bragging in the minister’s office […] And the minister will intervene, he stated.