Thousands take to the streets for Workers’ Day

“The attacks on the union movement must stop,” said Luc Vachon, president of the Democratic Trade Union Center CSD, who was among the organizers of the demonstration.

The latter criticizes, among other things, that there have been several bills going against unions in recent years. “The government is pushing us aside […] especially in the last two years. Mr. Legault had said “we are going to wage war on the union” but we replied “What are you doing there?” »

“We are not enemies, we can contribute,” he adds.

A total of nine trade union organizations participated in the event. Student and community organizations were added to the contingent. According to the Montreal City Police Service (SPVM), around 3,000 people participated in the march. The latter also had as its backdrop the International Workers’ Day, which takes place on May 1 of each year.

Activist Nimâ Machouf, former NPD candidate, was also present at the rally. “We need demonstrations like this,” she said. She also deplores that the government in place is one of “bankers and traders” and that they have “abandoned” several groups, including workers and unions.

Despite the cold weather and the rain, the atmosphere remained positive. “Together and united for community action”. “Students are being exploited, just about enough time to pay them,” chanted the demonstrators. The march started at 1 p.m. on Avenue du Parc. Despite a police presence, The Press did not notice any overflows.

“We came to support the workers,” says Ugo Marini, a demonstrator met by The Press. The latter, who also came with his daughters, thinks that the climate between the unions and the government is “quite special”.