It is on the theme To live like people that thousands of Quebecers will march in several cities in Quebec on the occasion of International Workers’ Day.
Posted yesterday at 11:00 a.m.
It goes without saying that the pressure exerted on workers is constantly increasing. We need only think of the inflation rate, which has peaked since 1991, which is eroding the purchasing power of employees and making it more difficult to access many services.
Add to that the fact that financial precariousness is affecting more and more workers, balancing work-family-personal life is becoming more difficult, the cost of living is on the rise and affordable housing is a miracle. In this 1er May 2022, the minimum wage is set at $14.25 an hour, and the Minister of Labor is looking forward to perhaps reaching $15 in 2023. This is indecent, because $15 an hour is what we needed in 2016.
The Coalition of 1er May calls on governments to finally put in place the necessary measures to live like the world in 2022.
A living wage and job stability
To live like the world, we must benefit from a stable job and a decent salary. It is a right, not a privilege. How is it that in 2022, so many men and women are struggling to make ends meet and increasingly dependent on food banks?
It should not be normal to have to combine jobs, work full time and, despite everything, live in precariousness. It is time for all workers to be able to receive a decent wage to live decently.
Quality and respectful jobs
We must work to live, not live to work. This requires quality jobs, more human workloads with sufficient rest periods. Work-family-personal life balance should be a basic working condition.
The pandemic has been telling: we need healthy workers. It is important that both physical and mental health be better protected in the workplace. It is high time to foster psychologically healthy and safe workplaces. This requires quality jobs that are both respectful and where dialogue is possible.
Respect for human rights
To live like the world, we must fight inequalities and place human rights at the heart of public policies as well as economic choices. These rights should not be malleable or negotiable according to political and economic moods. Inequalities continue to grow. We can think of labor law, social protection or education. It is urgent to act for better respect for all economic and social rights.
Expression
This Sunday 1er May will take place in Montreal starting at 1 p.m. in Cabot Square, a few steps from the Atwater metro station. Everyone is welcome to join the march, because we all deserve to live as people.
* The authors act as spokespersons for the Coalition montréalaise du 1er may. The Coalition of 1er May brings together the following organizations: Central of Democratic Trade Unions (CSD), Confederation of National Trade Unions (CSN), Central of Quebec Trade Unions (CSQ), Federation of Quebec Workers (FTQ), Alliance of Professional and Technical Staff of the Health and Social Services (APTS), Autonomous Federation of Education (FAE), Quebec Interprofessional Health Federation (FIQ), Union of Public and Parapublic Service of Quebec (SFPQ), Union of Professionals of Government of Quebec (SPGQ), Center for Immigrant Workers (CTI), Quebec Collegiate Student Federation (FECQ), Regional Table of Voluntary Popular Education Organizations of Montreal (TROVEP), Quebec Student Union (UEQ), Union injured or sick workers (UTTAM)