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Montreal, QC– Unifor expresses its deep disappointment at statements made by Premier François Legault during the emergency debate on the impact of U.S. tariffs held in the National Assembly.
“Instead of defending Quebec workers, the government is suggesting that they just change jobs, leaving behind their colleagues, their region and their way of life to go and build dams in northern Quebec. This is an unacceptable response that amounts to abandoning thousands of Quebec families impacted by unfair tariffs.” said Daniel Cloutier, Unifor Quebec Director.
Quebec has important levers it can use to put pressure on the United States and defend its workers. The manufacturing sector plays a key role in the economy of Quebec and its regions. Rather than throwing up its hands, the government should be working to halt this sector’s decline. Whether it’s the aerospace, transport equipment, aluminum or forestry industry, the government must take coordinated action on strategic industrial policies to ensure these industries reach their full potential.
Instead of resigning itself to the situation, Unifor calls on the Quebec government to immediately adopt a robust strategy to push back against the tariff threat. This involves setting up a genuine crisis committee made up of unions, representatives of affected industries and economic partners. This committee must meet regularly to develop a coherent and effective response to the U.S. tariff attacks.
“It's not just about protecting jobs, it’s about protecting the workers who depend on them,” added Mr. Cloutier. “Workers are not pawns to be moved around on the chessboard of economic cycles. The premier must show leadership and use every lever at his disposal to protect them and our industries.”
Unifor also condemns the lack of consultation with key players in the labour community in recent weeks. A simple telephone survey or a few behind-the-scenes discussions are not sufficient in the current context. It is imperative that the government mobilize all stakeholders and adopt a proactive approach to counter these abusive tariffs. A crisis committee including the business community and unions must be set up and discussions must be held on a regular basis. The government must mobilize these stakeholders and ensure their involvement in devising a response.
The time for half-measures is over. Quebec must immediately take a firm stand and refuse to give in to the protectionist forces that pose a grave threat to our economy and our workers.
Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. Unifor advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future. In Quebec, Unifor represents nearly 55,000 members and is affiliated to Quebec’s largest central labour body, the Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec (FTQ).
For media enquiries, please contact Unifor Quebec Communications Representative Véronique Figliuzzi at @email.
