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Unifor Quebec Council focused on solidarity, mobilization and the future as delegates met April 23 to 25, 2025, in Trois-Rivières.
Under the dynamic chairmanship of Sophie Albert,the first day of the Council kicked off with the report of Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier.,. In a rousing speech, Cloutier took the opportunity to warmly thank the members for their confidence during his first term andreiterated the crucial importance of solidarity.
“We can’t afford to be indifferent. We can’t just stand on the sidelines and watch while hatred is trivialized, while public services crumble, and while the most vulnerable in society are left to fend for themselves. We have to stand up, not just for our own rights, but for all those who count on us to make their voices heard.”
Cloutier was re-elected by acclamation for a second term as Unifor’s Quebec Director.
One of the highlights of the Council was an inspiring address by Unifor National President Lana Payne.
“I want our members to know that in these challenging times, there’s one thing they can always count on: their union. When the going gets tough, we know how to fight. We know how to organize. We know what’s possible. We’ve survived everything they’ve thrown at us over the years, facing down one crisis after another. We’re going to survive this one too,” Payne told delegates.
The Council was preceded by a conference on artificial intelligence and its impact on the world of work. This event was a resounding success, attracting a full house and demonstrating members’ keen interest in the challenges and opportunities presented by new technologies
The Quebec Council agenda included presentations on crucial issues for the union movement, including a reflection on the troubling rise of the right-wing by Maxim Fortin, a discussion of the tariff war by Simon Lavigne, as well as a detailed legal presentation on the Quebec government’s anti-union Bill 68, and a separate analysis of the anticipated impacts of forthcoming amendments to the Labour Code on grievance arbitration.
The second day of proceedings was devoted to practical workshops on the Quebec Council’s finances and a collective search for solutions to ensure its financial sustainability.
The final day featured a review of the workshops, a presentation on the Fonds de solidarité, and a presentation on Bill 25 by Renaud Plante, Assistant Director and lawyer.
Much emphasis was also placed on the CAQ government’s attacks on the right to strike in Quebec, notably through Bill 89. Members were urged to sign and massively share the petition against Bill 89, available here. A demonstration was also held in front of Jean Boulet’s office to protest these attacks and to serve a strong reminder that Unifor will never accept any type of assault on workers’ rights.
The Quebec Council concluded on a resolutely mobilizing and unifying note, sending the message that the future belongs to those who choose mutual aid, solidarity and collective action.
