Bertrand Guibord, President, CCMM-CSN

With our society facing multiple crises and the CAQ government in attack mode, the CSN officially launched its latest campaign on October 11 under the slogan “Stand up”

The campaign has three themes:

• Stand together for workers
• Stand together for public services
• Stand together for the planet

Stand together for workers

This first theme is a response to the CAQ’s attacks on workers’ rights. We are experiencing the worst anti-union assault in decades. For example, the CAQ recently passed Bill 89, which restricts the right to strike, and has announced plans to reform the legislation governing unions to make some union dues optional. We need to mobilize and stand up to this government, which serves the interests of corporations and elites at the expense of workers. Our campaign also highlights the historical social and political role of the labour movement in general and the CSN in particular.

Stand together for public services

The second theme calls on political parties to commit to adequately funding public services to meet Quebecers’ needs. Services have been seriously underfunded for too long, undermining the public’s right to health and education. We must also fight the bogus solution of privatization, which will only make matters worse.

Stand together for the planet

The third theme highlights the CSN’s longstanding concern with environmental issues at a time when the federal and provincial governments are weakening environmental protection laws and regulations. It is appalling to see them endangering us and future generations.

Major demonstration on November 29

The first key event in the campaign will be a large demonstration at Place du Canada on November 29, at 13:30. It will bring together our allies from union partners, community organizations and civil society. We need tens of thousands of people in the streets to express the depth of our frustration with the current situation and the CAQ government. People will come from across Québec to gather in downtown Montréal. Be there!

How can we promote this campaign in our unions and workplaces?

The CSN has allocated a budget to support local and regional actions. Contact your mobilization advisor if you would like to organize something: a stand, a discussion among members, banners… Use your imagination to get your members involved.

One quick and easy way to promote the campaign is to sign and circulate the declaration  published on the campaign website. It’s also an effective way to make members aware of the campaign.

In the coming weeks, we need to focus on mobilizing for the demo on November 29. Please let us know if you’d like us to give a presentation at your next general assembly. A massive turnout at the provincial demonstration is our best chance of averting an historic rollback of our rights. Materials will be produced and made available on the campaign website. Please let us know if you have any specific needs.

See you at the demonstration on November 29!