MONTREAL – Leading labor unions in Quebec are preparing to overhaul their operational methods and modernize in step with changing times. Approximately 5,000 delegates are currently attending a special two-day conference in Drummondville, which commenced this Tuesday. The meeting serves as a culmination of extensive consultations held over recent months aimed at increasing the unions’ relevance and strengthening ties with their members.
Nine major organizations are driving this initiative, including the APTS (Alliance du personnel professionnel et technique de la santé et des services sociaux) and the FIQ (Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec), which represent the health and social services sectors. Magali Picard, President of the FTQ (Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec), emphasized that unions are ready to change and are open to internal criticism. She stated that the goal is to move beyond mere discussion and implement tangible shifts in the organizations’ structures and approaches.
A significant portion of the discourse focuses on giving younger workers and marginalized groups more prominence within the union hierarchy. Furthermore, the organizations are seeking innovative ways to modernize communication and coordinate members more effectively in an era where remote work is increasingly common. By shedding their traditional image, these unions aim to renew their influence and impact within the broader community.
