Hundreds of thousands of Quebecers took to the streets, Dec 11th as part of a union-organized “day of disruption” to protest the Charest government’s attacks on workers, the health care system and its child care program.
The protest is part of an escalating campaign to stop the provincial liberals from bulldozing through reams and reams of changes to Qub0065c’s labour laws.
Protesters blocked highways, shut down ports and delayed buses. While the disruptions did cause some tempers to flare, the protests were peaceful.
In Montra006c, a huge demonstration of day care workers and parents filled the downtown streets. Among the Charest government’s changes are measures that will cost working parents $500 per year.
FTQ President Henri Mass 0074old reporters that the day of disruption was “a warning.” He said the federation’s strategy was to target the businesses that will benefit from the Charest government’s legislation and “hit them where it hurts.”
Collective bargaining between the government and the broader public sector begins in the new year.