Delegates at the CLC convention in Toronto May 29 gave overwhelming support to Journal de Quebec workers.
The presentation made by Marie-France Loubier and Marc Fortier touched the hearts of the almost 2,000 delegates who gave them a standing ovation.
“We are engaged in a marathon,” said Denis Bolduc, spokesperson for the 252 locked out CUPE members. “Support of this magnitude has strengthened our will to continue the fight.
“Pierre-Karl Peladeau has created this labour conflict, he circumvents the law and is trying to impose unacceptable concessions — in working conditions and journalistic standards — that jeopardize the survival of local news.”
Prior to the lockout, Bolduc said the newspaper had increased its sales more than any other in Canada and had made its owners, Québecor, $25 million.
“Pierre Peladeau is destroying everything his father built,” explained Bolduc. “In 40 years we had never lost a single day to labour disputes. Now, this little dictator takes over and tries to impose his will. It’s more than time that someone bring him back to reality.”
The Journal de Quebec presentation at the CLC Convention ends a cross-country tour that raised funds for the locked out workers.
