Picketing, “what osa” gives? | Public sector strikes in Quebec

Around hospitals, schools and CEGEPs, thousands are on strike weeks after the current labor conflict between the Quebec government and public sector unions began.

However, some union members wonder about the true value and impact of this pressure.

Does coming together, flags and signs in hand, really move the negotiations forward? asks this teacher from Monterrey. Basically, the real battleground is in Quebec… We often wonder, she admits, if there’s any point in picketing in front of an empty regional school.

I understand why blocking access to factories was necessary in the past. But today I see a little less relevance of being in front of our workplace every daysays the CEGEP professor from the South Coast near Montreal. After all, not teaching is already stressful!

So, what is picketing?

To find out, Radio-Canada consulted actors representing different generations from union and political circles, asking them to answer questions posed by some picketing suspects.

Unity barometer

From the outset, everyone is ready to recognize that this is not a panacea or a magic tool that will lead to an outcome of a labor dispute. However, all believe that picketing still has its role to play in influencing the progress of negotiations to a certain extent and in rebalancing the balance of power between management and union parties.

Picketing is very important in establishing a balance of power between employers and employees in a negotiation.Immediately introduces Claudette Carbonneau, who was the first female president of CSN.

It is a way to break the isolation of workers. It is an opportunity for togetherness and socializationAdds Mrs. Carbone.

A strike is a barometer of workers’ spirit, unity, determination and resilienceElaine Schofield-Lamarche, president of the CUPE-Québec youth group and former student activist, continues.

The more enthusiastic and enthusiastic they are, the more it sends a message to the employer that they are willing to go all the way.

It is a tool to see a social movement and create a wave of sympathy among people.In 2012, Maple added Stephanie Toukas, alumna president during Spring.

Even former Liberal minister Michelle Courchesne sees virtues in it. Members of Parliament and citizens can meet the picketers. It creates a social conversation. In a democracy, I believe this will stimulate healthy debates.

A shout was heard by the elected officials

But does the strike really affect the decision-makers at the negotiating table?

This is a question that bothers many people.

Michel Courchesne, who has experienced his negotiations as Minister of Education and Chairman of the Treasury Board, assures that the answer to this question is yes.

When I was a minister, I was very sensitive to picketing. They make noise. They send a message to elected officials. You have to listen to it, listen to it.

As ministers, we have a responsibility: to ensure that services are delivered. So, for the decision-makers, this strike is a kind of reminder, a kind of extra pressureAdds Ms. Courchesne, who always keeps a close eye on Quebec’s political scene.

Open in full screen mode

Former minister François Gendron, who he has represented as a PQ deputy for more than four decades, Abitibi, a contact in the corner of the country, added his two cents. When you picket, you can’t help but show that you’re seriousHe explains. This helps create and maintain “momentum” between the strikers. On this non-mobilization day, you weaken the pressure on the government.

Actively participating in the 2012 student mobilization, Stephanie Tougas has entered the political world as a political consultant to elected officials in Quebec and abroad. She also firmly believes that it is futile for employees to strike before their workplaces.

This has a direct impact on the negotiation scheduleshe said before explaining herself. If we feel that the workers are mobilized, the government can bet that they will give up. On the other hand, if they are still visible on the streets and have a movement of popular support behind them, the government is less maneuverable to maintain a firm line.

A tool you have no reason to miss

So, the big demonstrations, the grand gestures, the thousands of workers on strike, isn’t that what really matters?

Picketing cannot be the only means of pressure used by unions and students. It has its limitations, that’s for sure.Stéfanie Tougas agrees. But it sends a signal that there is a united and mobilized front to oppose a decision.

I believe picketing is part of a continuum of complementary pressure tacticsAdds Claudette Carbonneau. When we sacrifice striking, we must ensure its effectiveness. And we must use all the tools at our disposal.

It seems to me that when we want to increase our power balance, we don’t think to ourselves, “If I had fewer cards in my deck, things would be better.” Quite the contrary!

Open in full screen mode

When there is no participation of union members, esp [au moyen du] The strike makes the boss’s job easier when he claims to face disengaged union leaders with illegitimate demands.Referring to Mrs. Carbone.

There cannot be a strike without picketingAdds Michelle Courchesne to agree with this logic. What happens if schools are closed but there is no picketing? Inevitably, among people, this will cause a certain lack of interest. We ask ourselves: Is there still a strike or not?

Picketing in the age of social media

However, doesn’t this pressure mechanism lose its effectiveness over time? In 2023, will picketing be as relevant as ever?

Indeed, historically, picketing has been used to create a human barrier to prevent strikers from accessing the workplace during a strike. Since then, Quebec has adopted anti-scab rules.

Therefore, picketing today plays a less important role than in the past, but this is not a reason to relax our focus, according to Claudette Carboneau. Keep in mind that there are constant complaints about violations of this law, so it’s important to be vigilant around your business.she warns.

And for Elaine Schofield-Lamarck, picketing is not obsolete.

Picketing can change. It creates a world of possibilities and often calls for highly-creative ways to mobilize and express solidarity.

Open in full screen mode

Social networks are good, they can be powerful in getting a message out. My generation grew up with these tools. But that’s not how you bend a governmentStéfanie Tougas emphasizes that physical mobilization is always one of the keys to extracting compromises from an employer like the government.