In a constantly evolving world of work, solidarity between colleagues is not optional — it’s essential. Whether it’s about defending rights, facing adversity, or simply supporting each other on a daily basis, solidarity is at the heart of union action. At FISA, we witness every day how much of a real difference it can make.
Strength behind demands
A single worker will always have less power than a united group. When we act together, we become a collective force that’s hard to ignore. It’s this unity that allows real pressure to be applied during negotiations with employers.
For example, from January 2020 to November 2021, the unions of the City of Terrebonne — including the manual workers’ union affiliated with FISA — came together as an inter-union coalition, bringing together 1,200 unionized employees including blue-collar workers, white-collar workers, firefighters, police officers, and professionals. For nearly two years, they led a communications campaign denouncing the toxic environment in the City administration, supported by the city council and its general manager, Mr. Alain Marcoux. This historic mobilization led to the complete renewal of elected officials on the city council, allowing the various unions to negotiate satisfying collective agreements and obtain more significant wage increases than initially proposed by the former city council.
Protection against injustice
In some workplaces, employees can be unfairly targeted — harassment, excessive disciplinary actions, or pressure to remain silent. Solidarity is when colleagues refuse to look the other way. It’s about supporting those affected, helping them stand up for their rights, and reminding the employer that no one will be left alone in the face of injustice.
In fall 2023, FISA intervened in East Angus after repeated reports of intimidation and harassment within the municipal administration. With union support and employee mobilization, the issue was brought into the public eye, leading to greater awareness about internal management — and ultimately resulted in the dismissal of General Manager David Fournier.
A climate of trust
A supportive workplace is one where employees feel safe, respected, and supported. Trust among colleagues not only improves the work atmosphere, but also boosts efficiency. It encourages people to speak up, share ideas, and actively participate in union discussions.
In March 2025, the union representing employees of the MRC du Haut-St-François reached a tentative agreement with the employer for the 2024–2028 collective agreement. This agreement includes the integration of remote work into the collective agreement and a continuation of flexible scheduling principles. These ensure employees have a solid framework for organizing their work schedules in harmony with their personal lives. Employees can now adjust their hours according to their needs while meeting operational requirements. This progress was made possible through ongoing dialogue between union representatives and the employer.
Beyond individual struggles
Acting in solidarity means defending not only your own interests but also those of others, even when you’re not directly affected. This reciprocal mindset ensures fair representation for all and enables unions to build collective strength capable of shifting the balance of power in favor of all workers.
Union solidarity isn’t just a slogan on a poster. It’s a concrete behavior, a daily commitment, and a powerful tool. It provides courage, legitimacy, and weight to demands. At FISA, we deeply believe that by standing together, we can protect our rights, improve our working conditions, and build a fairer world of work.
Contact us for union advice tailored to your reality.