Quebec's largest union federation outlines demands before election is officially called
The first demands related to the labour market were not long in coming, as Quebec's largest union federation announced its priorities even before the official call of the federal election.
The Quebec Federation of Labour (FTQ) believes that political parties must commit to improving the employment insurance system and modernizing federal laws that protect workers, whether it be anti-scab provisions, preventive withdrawal of pregnant workers or protection of pension plans in the event of corporate bankruptcy.
"The pandemic has made us realize the importance of having a strong and reliable social safety net. We have a duty to protect it and even improve it... Those who aspire to lead us must listen to the population," said FTQ President Daniel Boyer and Secretary-General Denis Bolduc in a statement issued early Sunday morning.
The environment is also at the heart of the FTQ's concerns, and it expects firm commitments from the candidates and leaders of the various political parties to implement an "economic recovery plan based on a fair transition and respect for the environment in the image of the 21st century."
The union leaders also invited the party leaders to come and meet them to share their concerns for the workers and their families. The union will also share its analysis of the election campaign with its members.
"The FTQ is preparing an electoral platform with its main demands, along with an analysis of the various commitments of the political parties. This platform will be made public so that all workers can make an informed choice at the time of the vote," said Bolduc.
The FTQ represents more than 600,000 unionized workers in Quebec.
-- This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Aug. 15, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Another suspect arrested in Toronto Pearson airport gold heist: police
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Trump hush money trial: Play-by-play on Day 2 of Stormy Daniels testimony
Adult film star Stormy Daniels took the stand for a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump's hush money case continues in Manhattan.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
Cyclist strikes child crossing the street to catch school bus in Montreal
A video circulating on social media of a young girl being hit by a bike has some calling for better safety and more caution when designing bike lanes in the city. The video shows a four-year-old girl crossing Jeanne-Mance Street in Montreal's Plateau neighbourhood to get on a school bus stopped on the opposite side of the street
B.C. wildfires likely to spread with weekend temperatures expected to soar, province says
Wildfire and emergency management officials in British Columbia are urging residents to be prepared for increased fire activity as temperatures are expected to soar above 30 C in parts of the province this weekend.
Wilfrid Laurier football player drafted despite only playing 27 games in his entire life
A Listowel, Ont. man, drafted by the Hamilton Tigercats last week, is also getting looks from the NFL, despite only playing 27 games of football in his life.