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Quebec Unions Take to Parliament Steps to Oppose New Flexible Labour Market Bill

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, November 29th 2025 at 13:53 GMT by Global News

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Unions Take to the Streets to Protest Quebec Government’s Labor‑Policy Reforms

On Tuesday, March 4, a sizeable contingent of Quebec union members converged on the steps of the provincial Parliament in Quebec City to voice their opposition to a package of labor‑policy reforms that the provincial government announced in late February. The protest, organised by several prominent union federations—including the Confederation des syndicats nationaux (CSN), the Confederation des travailleurs du Québec (CTQ), and the Québec Teachers Federation (FQTH)—was a response to the government’s decision to adopt a new “flexible labour market” framework that, according to union leaders, would erode collective‑bargaining rights, weaken job security, and open the door to increased use of temporary workers in public‑sector positions.

Background: The “Flexible Labour Market” Bill

The reforms, codified in the recently passed Bill 78‑C, were introduced by Premier François Legault’s Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) administration as part of a broader plan to modernise the province’s economy. The legislation allows employers to negotiate individual contracts with employees—rather than through collective agreements—unless a union is formally recognised in the workplace. The bill also introduces a new mechanism for “temporary‑staff pools” that would enable public‑sector agencies to hire short‑term workers without the same statutory protections currently afforded to permanent staff.

The government has justified the changes as a means to boost flexibility, reduce labor costs, and streamline hiring processes in an economy that has struggled with unemployment and wage stagnation. In a televised press conference on February 22, Minister of Labour Francine Charbonneau emphasized that “flexibility is key to attracting investment and fostering a competitive labor market” and that the reforms would “provide employers and employees with the tools to create the right mix of talent for their needs.”

Union Response and Demands

The protest on March 4 was a direct reaction to these claims. Union leaders accused the government of undermining the social contract that has traditionally protected Quebec workers. According to a statement released by the CSN, the bill “threatens the stability of workers’ lives by allowing the dismissal of collective agreements and the use of temporary contracts without the proper safeguards.” The CTQ added that the reforms “could lead to a wave of precarious employment across the province, eroding the gains made in recent years through strong collective bargaining.”

The demonstration was marked by a number of symbolic actions: a large banner reading “No to Precarious Work” was hung on the Parliament’s façade, while a group of teachers, led by the FQTH, marched in a silent protest outside the Ministry of Education. Protestors carried signs that read “Collective Bargaining Is a Right, Not a Privilege” and “Job Security First.” At the centre of the protest, union spokesperson Maria‑Louise Bouchard spoke to the media, saying, “We will not allow the CAQ to dismantle the very foundations of our public sector. Workers demand fair representation, secure contracts, and the right to strike.”

In addition to these symbolic gestures, the unions presented a formal petition signed by over 15,000 members, demanding that the provincial government:

1. Repeal Bill 78‑C in its entirety.
2. Re‑establish collective bargaining as the standard for all public‑sector employment.
3. Protect temporary workers from exploitation by ensuring that they receive the same benefits as permanent staff.
4. Convene an urgent meeting with union representatives to discuss an alternative approach that balances flexibility with worker protection.

Government’s Stance and Potential Implications

While the unions called for a repeal, the government has maintained that the reforms are necessary for economic revitalisation. Minister Charbonneau stated, “The law is not about eroding rights but about adapting to a changing world. It still protects workers; it just makes the labor market more dynamic.” She also hinted at a possible amendment process, saying that the government would “consult with stakeholders to refine the provisions that may have unintended consequences.”

The protest, however, has already drawn national attention. In a comment on the local radio station CIBN, Labor Minister Marc Poulin noted that the “flexible labour market” framework would allow businesses to “innovate in the way they manage human resources” and argued that it would not undermine the social safety net because public‑sector employers would still be required to comply with provincial employment standards.

Nevertheless, union leaders remain sceptical. According to a 2023 report by the Canadian Labour Congress, “flexible labour policies that favour short‑term contracts often lead to lower wages, reduced job security, and higher rates of turnover.” The unions have therefore called for a thorough review of the bill, citing similar concerns voiced by labour organisations in Ontario and British Columbia, where similar reforms have triggered significant backlash.

Looking Ahead

The protest is part of a broader wave of labor activism in Quebec. Earlier this year, workers in the health sector staged a walk‑out over delayed salaries, and teachers in Montreal marched in protest of proposed budget cuts to the education system. The CAQ government’s handling of these disputes has already strained its relationship with the labor community.

Union leaders have announced that they will keep the pressure on, with plans for a “mass strike” if the government does not respond to their demands. They also pledged to broaden their coalition to include unions from other provinces that have adopted similar “flexible” measures. At the same time, the government has indicated that it will keep the door open for dialogue, suggesting that the reforms may undergo “minor adjustments” after a review period.

In the coming weeks, the conflict is likely to evolve as both sides grapple with the stakes of Quebec’s labour landscape. Workers, union leaders, and the government will all be watching closely to see whether the province can navigate the tensions between economic flexibility and the protection of workers’ rights. The March 4 protest is a clear signal that unions will not back down until they feel that their members’ interests are adequately safeguarded in the face of rapid policy changes.