MONTREAL – The Syndicat des Métallos/United Steelworkers union is donating $100,000 to support Quebec’s public-sector workers in their struggle for better working conditions. The Steelworkers’ donations will go towards food aid to support families most in need during the holiday season.
Steelworkers’ Quebec Director Dominic Lemieux made the announcement this morning during a visit to a picket line outside the Saint-Jean-Baptiste-de-la-Salle school, where he met with striking members of the Front Commun (common front) alliance of unions and the FAE teachers’ federation.
“These workers, the vast majority of whom are women, who hold our public services together, who look after our young people, our children, our seniors and our population as a whole, are waging a major battle for decent working conditions. At a time of soaring inflation, they refuse to be further impoverished and are demanding respect from their employers. Like most people in Quebec, our members support these workers wholeheartedly. It’s crucial that we support them,” Lemieux said.
The decision to support the public-sector strikers was made over the last few days by representatives of major local unions that are members of the Quebec Steelworkers’ Strike Fund. Food donations will be distributed via the Steelworkers’ regional offices across Quebec, as well as directly on picket lines and through various local organizations.
“We know that the battles waged by some can also affect many others, and that this strike is a major sacrifice for these workers. These donations don’t compensate for lost wages, but we hope to provide a bit of help to some of the most-affected families and that ultimately the strikers will achieve a settlement with their heads held high. When one of us is affected, the whole Métallo family is there to respond. These public-sector workers include our sisters, daughters, mothers, partners, children and friends, and the Steelworkers are going to be there for them,” he added.
The Syndicat des Métallos/United Steelworkers, affiliated to the Quebec Federation of Labour, is the largest private-sector union in Quebec, representing more than 60,000 workers in all sectors of the economy.
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