The Public Service Alliance of Canada, Quebec Region (PSAC-Quebec) is disappointed not to have been given the opportunity to present our union and locals’ unique perspectives in hearings on Bill 3, An Act to improve the transparency, governance and democratic process of various associations in the workplace. The Committee on Labour and the Economy heard from various groups on the bill Wednesday afternoon, but FTQ-affiliated unions, including PSAC-Quebec, were not invited.
“It’s outrageous,” said Sébastien Paquette, Executive Vice-President for PSAC-Quebec. “We no longer live in a democracy. The Commission won’t let us tell them how Bill 3 would impact PSAC‑Quebec and our locals, but they’ve allowed organizations like the Canadian Federation of Independent Business or the Montreal Economic Institute to pontificate on how they think unions should manage their members’ union dues.”
Instead of attacking unions, the CAQ should focus on real issues affecting Quebecers like the Northvolt fiasco, the SAAQclic debacle, the housing crisis, the cost of living, and the trade war with the United States.
PSAC-Quebec calls on all members to participate in a family-friendly “Block the rollback” rally:
- Saturday, November 29, 1 p.m.
- Place du Canada (Montreal)
- Corner of René-Lévesque and Peel
Check the PSAC‑Quebec Facebook account for the exact starting point.
PSAC is concerned about several Bill 3 provisions:
- the introduction of “optional” dues, distinct from “principal” dues, which would undermine (among other things) our political actions and court challenges;
- the potential obligation to include certain provisions in local by-laws, which would compromise our deliberative bodies and democratic spaces;
- a financial oversight mechanism that would be costly for locals.
The full text of our submission to the Commission will be posted on our website shortly.