This text is part of the special Syndicalism booklet
The Confederation of National Trade Unions (CSN) went to meet its members to determine what the needs and demands of workers are in 2022.
This survey took place in the spring and fall of 2021. “It was not an ordinary survey, which we receive by mail or email, explains Caroline Senneville, president of the CSN. Instead, our unions, in all regions of Quebec, were asked to organize activities, some family activities, others more formal, during which our members were invited to respond to a survey. »
This approach also had the merit of encouraging exchanges between the members themselves and with their executives. From this consultation, a few broad outlines emerged.
A fair remuneration
Remuneration commensurate with the work required is one of these guidelines, but workers also want this remuneration to adequately reflect the true cost of living. This is also the reason why the majority of union members strongly support raising the minimum wage in Quebec to $18 an hour.
“Our members want workers in Quebec to all be able to obtain a salary that allows them to make ends meet,” says Caroline Senneville.
But even increased pay cannot solve everything, especially with regard to certain working conditions. “Ask a nurse what she prefers, illustrates Mme Senneville, a salary bonus or the abolition of compulsory overtime? The answer will be the abandonment of the TSO. »
A healthy workplace
A safe and healthy work environment is a major concern for CSN members. Many have expressed concerns about the application of the new Occupational Health and Safety Act.
“But beyond these specific concerns, underlines Caroline Senneville, what emerged was the desire of our members that prevention be favored in matters of workplace safety. The members of the CSN also demanded a healthy work climate, that is to say free from any harassment.
The flexibility of the employer is also part of the expectations of workers. “Our members want more flexibility in working hours, says Caroline Senneville. Work-family balance is a demand of both men and women, in all workplaces, for office workers as well as for construction workers. »
Recognition of their value
The members of the CSN have also clearly indicated that they want better recognition of their work from their employers. A bonus or a pat on the back is no longer enough.
“Our members don’t just want to be valued, they want to be involved. They want to be able to express their ideas, they want their opinion to be sought. They don’t just want to be informed of decisions, they want to be part of them. Basically, they want a better dialogue with the employer. They no longer want punch in and punch out. »
This survey enabled the CSN executive to draw certain conclusions. The first is that workers’ expectations are the same regardless of the workplace, whether the employer is a private company or a public sector one.
“This exercise also allowed us to see that if work occupies an important place in the lives of our members, it is also the case for their dignity, highlights Caroline Senneville. Workers not only see themselves as a human “resource”, they also see themselves as people. And that’s how they want to be treated by their employer. »
Another important observation reached by the CSN relates to the similarity of the reflections raised by the organization and by its members. “We realized that the ideas that we defend at the executive are the same as those raised by our base, concludes the president. This comforts us and tells us that we are on the right track for the upcoming negotiations in the public sector. »