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MONTREAL— In the wake of the elections in Quebec, Unifor Quebec is urging the incoming government to engage in a genuine dialogue with workers. In response to the serious challenges currently facing both the manufacturing and forestry sectors, the union expects to see concrete measures aimed at safeguarding jobs as well as a clear commitment to respecting union rights.
“The new government has the opportunity to change course and rebuild a relationship of trust with workers,” said Daniel Cloutier, Unifor’s Quebec director. “Our members want to be able to make a decent living, feel confident about their job security and have a say in decisions that affect them. Protection for our industries, respect for union rights and collaboration with social partners are the areas where we want to see tangible action, and we offer our full support and cooperation to the new government toward achieving its objectives.”
Amid the ongoing trade war and dumping practices, Unifor Quebec is calling on the government to develop an industrial policy in collaboration with stakeholders from the sectors concerned, including trade unions. Public procurement and procurement by state-owned enterprises must support manufacturing here in Quebec, preserve our expertise and create quality jobs. The government must also offer support to workers affected by layoffs and closures and act quickly to grasp opportunities leading to the reopening of plants.
With regard to the forestry sector, the union reiterates its demand for a genuine national consultation process bringing together First Nations, the government and forestry stakeholders. The modernization of the forestry regime must include an industrial strategy aimed at keeping mills operating, developing the wood processing sector in Quebec and ensuring a sustainable future for forestry communities.
Unifor Quebec is also calling on the new government to restore a constructive dialogue with the labour movement and to roll back measures that have undermined union rights. Respect for freedom of association, the right to strike and collective bargaining, as well as access to high-quality public services, must guide the government’s actions in order to improve people’s living conditions.
The union would like to meet with the new government at the earliest opportunity to discuss these priorities and the measures to be implemented.
