Étienne Paré’s article published in The duty of December 21 suggests by its title, “Tension between the UNEQ and the authors”, that there would be a movement of discontent against the recent orientations of the Union of writers and writers of Quebec (UNEQ). However, for my part, I do not perceive any movement of this kind. Rather, I believe that the vast majority of us authors are grateful to the management and to the entire team of our union for their fervor in representing our interests.
Before the adoption of the new law on the status of the artist last June, the UNEQ did not have the possibility of negotiating collective agreements with publishers on our behalf. It now has not only the opportunity, backed by legislation, but also the clear mandate from its members. This is above all a victory and it must be celebrated. UNEQ has become more assertive and better organized to achieve its objectives in our favour. We have had plenty of time to see the UNEQ correct the situation, for at least the past four years. In particular, the 2018-2022 Strategic Plan clearly set out a realignment towards stronger actions to assert our rights. If we obtained the revision of a law which was unfair to literary artists, it is above all thanks to the insistent reminders of the UNEQ and following a vigorous media campaign, to which the members enthusiastically participated. A survey conducted by UNEQ in 2021 revealed overwhelming support from members for the idea of a collective representation obligation enshrined in law. That some people wake up today and balk at the idea of paying union dues, that’s what revolts me. Our contribution is a concrete gesture of support for our demands and for those who go to the front to defend them. Some now complain that decisions were made by a small number of participants at a general meeting. However, all members were invited to this meeting. The absentees, because of their absence, gave their support by default to the decisions taken. Moreover, the general assembly of last June, of which it is a question in the article of the Homework, is only one moment among others of confirmation of a long process always in progress. The normal consequences of a turn made over a long period, and with a lot of transparency, seem to displease some. It was predictable. Contrary to what the complainers suggest, the UNEQ deserves our full support in its fight to improve the working conditions of literary artists.
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