CUPE Québec firmly condemns the Québec Labour Minister’s remarks made on December 23, once again threatening the right to strike. By choosing to launch his attack during the holiday season, Minister Boulet seems to hope his message will go unnoticed. Let him be warned: workers in Québec are no fools and will not forget this underhanded attempt to undermine a fundamental right.
“The right to strike is a fundamental right, a cornerstone of our democracy. Taking advantage of the holiday season to try to weaken it shows deep disdain for those who fight every day for fair working conditions,” said Patrick Gloutney, president of CUPE Québec.
CUPE reminds the minister that the Supreme Court of Canada confirmed that the right to strike is protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Any attempt to restrict this right will inevitably hit a wall in the courts.
While this end-of-year period should be a time of solidarity and recognition for the workers who support our communities, Minister Boulet chooses to be the Grinch who attacks hard-earned rights. But let us be clear: workers will not give up Charter-protected rights, regardless of the time of year.
As the year comes to a close, CUPE reiterates its commitment to tirelessly and resolutely defend workers’ rights.