It is a dark day for Quebecers. The CAQ government’s Bill 3 is attacking the unions head-on; yet, unions are the primary institution defending the middle class and Quebec’s social model. This is an authoritarian tactic by which a collapsing government interferes with how trade unions are run, with the goal of disrupting their functioning.
“We’re the most egalitarian society in North America,” said Patrick Gloutney, president of CUPE Quebec. “Maybe even that with the best quality of life. This social model is the result of 100 years of labour struggles. Weakening the unions will destroy our social model!”
This new anti-union bill is meant to distract Quebecers from the CAQ’s many problems. They want to use unions as a scapegoat. This government is desperately out of options. If elections were held tomorrow, the CAQ wouldn’t win any seats.
“They have no credibility!” Gloutney continued. “Legault’s war on unions is a diversionary tactic. He’s looking to gain what political mileage he can after failing in every other file: the cost-of-living and housing crisis, the dismal state of our health and education systems, the waste of public funds on the battery industry and other lost investments, not to mention his disastrous negotiations with doctors.
Financial transparency
Unions have transparent finances and strive to constantly improve upon best practices. Members approve the budget of their locals and 100% of their union dues go to defending their interests on every front.
“Expenses are already presented to members and audits are provided for in the bylaws and regulations,” concluded Gloutney. “So what exactly does the CAQ want? The only possible answer is that this is yet more proof of their inadequate governance of the province.”