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Unifor's Quebec Council was held in Quebec City from November 22 to 24, 2024. Under the chairmanship of Sophie Albert, President of the Quebec Council, the meeting was a unique forum for discussion and reflection on the future of the union and the issues facing workers.
The event kicked off on Friday with a report by Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier, who captivated the meeting with a review of recent achievements. Between collective successes and challenges to be met, his speech outlined an ambitious roadmap for the future. The tone was set: this Council would not just be a forum for discussion, but a platform for strengthening our solidarity and refining our strategies.
“In a context where working conditions are under constant threat from globalization and outsourcing, we will need to strengthen our ties of solidarity, not only in Quebec, but across Canada as well as internationally,” Cloutier told delegates.
The tone was set: this Council would not just be a forum for discussion, but a platform for strengthening our solidarity and refining our strategies.
“It is thanks to your involvement, your determination and your courage that we will get through these challenges and succeed in making the voice of our members heard, louder and louder,” added Cloutier.
Highlights of the day included the presentation of resolutions, debates on the frequency of Council meetings and celebrations of members' successes.
Among the highlights was the presentation of the new aerospace policy. An inspiring video highlighted the workers who make this sector such a source of pride in Quebec. It was an opportunity to reaffirm Unifor's commitment to an industry that is essential to the economy and Quebec’s collective identity.
Unifor National President Lana Payne also made a lasting impression. She praised the solidarity and commitment of Quebec members, while highlighting the impending challenges, particularly those posed by the re-election of Donald Trump in the United States.
“Trump is doing everything he can to drive investment to the U.S at the expense of Canadian jobs. That is the real play here,” said Payne. “We will have to fight like never before to make sure good Canadian jobs are defended and protected.”
Payne demanded better of politicians, calling on them to stop bickering in Parliament in Ottawa while Canadian jobs are under threat.
“My message to the government of Canada and every single politician is the same. Put aside your partisan hats. Put aside differences. Put aside slogans and let’s get to work,” said Payne.
She also stressed the importance of defending workers' rights, including the right to strike, in the face of growing economic and political pressures and the urgent need for Canada to develop robust industrial strategies in key sectors such as aerospace and telecommunications.
Members also took part in constructive exchanges on Unifor Québec's new servicing model. The discussion highlighted the current challenges facing the union in terms of representation, notably the diversity of needs across sectors and regions.
Participants debated concrete proposals to optimize resources and ensure that every member, whether working in a large company or in a more restricted environment, benefits from adapted support and equitable access to union services.
One of the key moments was the presentation by Hugues Perreault, who is responsible for political action and mobilization in Quebec. His presentation painted an enlightening picture of the current state of Canadian politics. He warned of the dangers of the false populism championed by Pierre Poilievre and reiterated the crucial importance of members getting actively involved in the next election campaign. His message was a clear call for political commitment to defend union values in the face of growing challenges.
This Quebec Council, punctuated by strategic reflections and celebrations of union victories, showcased Unifor's determination to remain a pillar for Quebec workers.
