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On March 11, Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier addressed more than 150 leaders gathered at the Forestry Communities Forum organized by the “Fédération québécoise des municipalités” (FQM), bringing forward the voice of the workers who sustain the forestry sector in every region of Quebec.
At a time marked by mill closures, layoffs and growing uncertainty, he stressed the need for a decisive shift toward higher value-added production and highlighted the importance of developing the Canadian domestic market to help offset the loss of access to the U.S. market.
He also reminded participants that working conditions in the forestry sector do not happen by chance: they are the result of negotiations led by unions that defend the interests of working people, and the gains achieved through these struggles benefit unionized and non-unionized workers alike.
“It sometimes feels like we are managing decline,” he said, warning that workers are paying the price of inaction and calling for a move away from short-term thinking toward a modern, inclusive and sustainable vision for forestry development.
Unifor maintains that Quebec’s forestry sector is ready for a genuine industrial policy, one that is built in an inclusive way and that integrates the voice and concerns of workers.
Cloutier also emphasized the importance of social dialogue and collaboration with municipalities, First Nations, workers, environmental groups and businesses.
“Without social peace in the forest, there can be no predictability. And without predictability, there is no viable business environment.”
Unifor will continue its work to bring together stakeholders around a shared vision capable of ensuring resilient ecosystems, vibrant communities and sustainable forestry jobs.
Find more information on Unifor’s Fight for Forestry Jobs here.
