According to Le Devoir, the Legault government is considering legislation that would make certain union dues “optional” and impose new rules on union governance and transparency. We stand firmly against these proposals. Far from improving transparency, they are designed to weaken unions’ ability to represent their members and to tilt power further toward employers.
The leaked document suggests dues could be withheld if they fund activities like legal challenges, social movements, advertising, or charitable donations. Unions that fail to comply could be hauled before the Tribunal administratif du travail. In practice, it will limit the ability of workers to speak out and rally against government overreach and policies that roll back progress, and could contravene collective agreement or labour laws or other legislation (Privacy Act, pay equity, etc.).
The proposal also strikes at the heart of the Rand Formula – the principle that everyone who benefits from a collective agreement contributes fairly to the cost of maintaining it. Without it, we risk costly bureaucracy, weakened solidarity, and fewer resources to defend workers’ rights.
Unions are already democratic and accountable. Members debate, question, and vote on budgets, priorities, and actions. Transparency is built into every meeting. What the CAQ is proposing is not transparency, but blanket suspicion – and a double standard, since employer groups and corporate lobbies face no such constraints.
This fits a broader pattern: restricting the right to strike, cutting public services, and now interfering with union governance and workers’ rights. PIPSC is clear:
- Yes to accountability to members, by members
- No to government interference that undermines democracy and workers rights
- Yes to cooperation on the real issues facing workers and families
Strong, independent and financially independent unions are essential to a fair and democratic society. We call on the Government of Queébec to abandon this harmful path and respect the institutions workers have built.