Secondary IV • 3yr.
Hi! I would like to better understand unionism in the 1970s. Thank you
Hi! I would like to better understand unionism in the 1970s. Thank you
Explanation from Alloprof
This Explanation was submitted by a member of the Alloprof team.
Hi!
First of all, unionism is the action of employees' unions. A union is an association whose objective is to defend the interests of workers.
In 1970, the economic context meant that there were more and more strike movements. We are even witnessing a regrouping of the three largest central labor organizations (CSN, FTQ and CEQ). They are campaigning for better working conditions and for more measures to be put in place, such as equal pay.
There are more than 200,000 public sector employees who declared an indefinite strike on April 11, 1972. When we talk about the public sector, we mean government employees (such as Hydro-Québec employees or people who work in public schools or hospitals).
10 days after the start of the strike, the government imposes a special law to force the demonstrators to return to work: 200,000 people, that has a big impact! At the end of May, the unions will be successful in getting some of their demands.
Do not hesitate to contact us again if you have any other questions,