This text is part of the special issue on Trade Unionism
The Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec (FTQ) is preparing for a return to school with a bang. It intends to advance debates that are dear to it, particularly regarding employee health and well-being, before elections that worry it.
An “extremely hot” issue as fall approaches is the implementation of the national drug insurance program, says FTQ President Magali Picard. The federal Minister of Health hopes to launch it by March 1er April 2025. This initiative is intended to provide coverage for certain contraceptives and diabetes medications and paves the way for a future universal drug insurance program. Several provinces have expressed enthusiasm for the idea, but not Quebec, which is asking for equivalent funding. “We are disappointed to see that Quebec is not participating and not discussing with Ottawa,” says Mme Picard.
According to her, a single payer would allow for a single rate for medications rather than prices inflated by competition that benefit pharmaceutical companies. “We have unionized workers who tell us that the uncovered portion of medications is already too high,” she argues. She also cites a national survey conducted by Léger earlier this year that concluded that one in ten people in Quebec said they had reduced their grocery budget to pay for their medications. The FTQ promises to campaign with the Quebec government in favour of this universal coverage.
Anti-strikebreaking law
In addition to this hot topic, there is everything that directly affects legislation governing work. Magali Picard therefore applauds the federal bill adopted last spring that will prohibit the use of replacement workers during a strike or lockout in companies. “We have an anti-scab law that has existed for nearly 50 years in Quebec and we are very proud of it,” she recalls.
However, in light of the new federal law, Mr.me Picard notes that Quebec’s law should be updated. “There are significant changes to be made, particularly regarding telework, and that’s something we’ll discuss this fall with the Minister of Labour, Jean Boulet,” she says. The grey area, she says, is that the law only applies to workplaces. “So we could let people protest in the streets and, in the meantime, hire others who would work from home,” she notes. A shortcoming that she believes would be best addressed quickly.
More generally, telework needs to be better regulated, believes the union president, especially at a time when hybrid formulas are favored by employers. “We are building the plane in mid-flight. However, we must now make room for negotiating telework in the professional environment,” she believes. This negotiation must now be part of collective agreements, rather than being left to the employer’s goodwill, says M.me Picard. Whether on an organizational or health level, a fixed framework would help avoid pitfalls, she considers. She points out in particular that not all the effects of working from home are known, whether on mental or physical health.
In the construction industry
In May, the National Assembly adopted the Act to Modernize the Construction Industry. It aims to increase productivity, but also to meet labour needs. “It needs to be amended,” says Mr.me Picard, specifying that “big shortcuts have been taken by the government”. Training has notably been reduced “by half”, which raises serious safety questions, according to the activist. “With the number of accidents that we are still seeing, it is certainly not by reducing training that we are going to help improve things and make the profession safer”, she points out.
The FTQ makes no secret of the fact that considering the potential election of the Conservative Party of Canada does not reassure its ranks. “We know Pierre Poilièvre’s track record. He is a man who, despite the fact that he multiplies meetings in Quebec to go and find people in our factories and tell them that he will be there for them, has never worked for the workers.” If the agreement between Mr. Poilièvre and certain unions is not in good shape, Magali Picard promises that the FTQ is ready to give all the information it deems necessary to its members in view of the next election.
This content was produced by the Special Publications Team of Dutyrelevant to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part in it.