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Longueuil – The APTS (Alliance du personnel professionnel et technique de la santé et des services sociaux) strongly condemns the government’s interference in union democracy through the introduction of Bill 3, supposedly designed to “improve the transparency, governance and democratic process of various associations in the workplace.” The APTS views the bill as an attempt to divide people and divert attention at a time when the government’s popularity continues to plummet in the polls.

“While Quebecers are demanding accessible care and services, decent housing, and good schools, François Legault is talking about prayers and bureaucracy,” said APTS president Robert Comeau. “Today, he’s chosen to attack labour organizations. What he’s telling us is that his re-election is more important than Quebecers’ needs. Québec deserves better than a government that relies on making people afraid.”

The APTS believes the government should focus on providing better public services rather than pandering to the premier’s whims as he attempts to silence those who denounce his rightward drift.

The labour movement: by and for its members

The APTS points out that a one-size-fits-all approach should be avoided, since there is no universal model for labour unions. Improvements to labour organizations must be democratically worked out and adopted by members in order to reflect their professional realities and what they want for the future. Changes should not be imposed by a legislator who is also Québec’s biggest employer.

An overwhelming majority of labour unions are based on solid democratic processes. Union dues are used above all to defend workers’ rights. They are carefully managed by elected representatives who are accountable to members on a regular basis, which is more than can be said for the government.

“We’re not that interested in lessons on management, transparency and democracy from the people who brought us Northvolt, SAAQclic and other fiascos, or who adopted the most centralizing reform of the public system ever seen in the middle of the night and under a gag order,” added the APTS president. “If the government wants more democratic processes, it should start by clearing up the mess in its own backyard.”

As the main representative of professionals and technicians in health and social services, the APTS will seek to appear before the parliamentary committee where it will show that Bill 3 is detrimental to workers’ rights. Over the next weeks, the union will also mobilize in partnership with other unions and civil society organizations to stop the government’s right-wing turn.

The APTS

The APTS (Alliance du personnel professionnel et technique de la santé et des services sociaux) represents more than 68,000 members who play a key role in ensuring that health and social services institutions run smoothly. Our members provide a wide range of services for all Quebecers, including diagnostic, rehabilitation, nutrition, psychosocial intervention, clinical support, and prevention services.