By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Denis Beaudin, President of the Conseil central de l’Estrie (CCNSE), has expressed strong opposition to Bill 89, proposed by Quebec Labour Minister Jean Boulet, which seeks to broaden the definition of essential services and restrict the right to strike. In a recent interview, Beaudin described the bill as “an attack on workers” and warned of its potential impact on labour negotiations and worker rights across the province.
The proposed legislation aims to allow the government to either impose arbitration or expand the scope of essential services in the event of prolonged strikes. This would enable the government to intervene if it determines that a strike is affecting economic, social, or environmental security. According to Beaudin, the bill “increases uncertainty among workers” at a time when economic stability is already fragile.
Concerns over essential services expansion
A key aspect of Bill 89 is its attempt to expand the definition of essential services. Under the new law, more services could be deemed essential if their interruption threatens economic, social, or environmental security. Beaudin criticized this as an overreach of government power, arguing that it undermines the leverage workers have during negotiations.
Beaudin explained, “If they can just increase essential services whenever they want, it takes away our only real bargaining tool—the right to strike.” He further stated that the bill favours employers, particularly those who “drag out negotiations” to their advantage.
CSN’s stand and political implications
The Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN), the umbrella organization for the CCSNE and which represents over 330,000 workers in Quebec, has been vocal in its opposition. In a press release issued on Feb. 19, CSN President Caroline Senneville called the bill “a declaration of war on workers,” accusing the government of prioritizing employer interests over fair negotiations.
Senaville stated, “The government is not trying to protect vulnerable people. It’s attacking workers.” She argued that the bill will encourage employers to resist reaching negotiated agreements by leveraging the possibility of government intervention under the guise of maintaining security.
The CSN also criticized the ambiguity of terms like “services to maintain” and “economic, social, and environmental security” in the bill, arguing that they give too much discretionary power to the government.
