Émilie Thibeault, Local 503

Manoir Richelieu
La Malbaie, Québec

It was through a friend that Émilie began her career at Manoir Richelieu in 1987. Relations with the owner at the time were tense. What’s more, as Émilie says, “If you didn’t sleep with the headwaiter it was impossible to make a living because they wouldn’t give you any customers.” That was when Émilie rebelled and took steps to unionize.

In 1989, an application for union certification was filed with the Ministry of Labour. But there were many obstacles and the process was long and arduous. Between 1990 and 2002, the Manoir Richelieu went through several owners who weren't always willing to acknowledge the existing union. In 1992, Émilie was even fired, but she would be rehired nine months later thanks to her union’s intervention.

Many things have changed in her workplace. She is involved at every level to improve the working conditions of her peers whether on the occupational health and safety or labour relations committee, at the Office de la langue française, as chief steward, at the negotiation table, as a trainer, as vice-president of UFCW Local 503, as a MAP counselor, or contact person for mutual assistance groups, not to mention her involvement on the Status of Women Committee.

As an activist, Emilie is most proud of having built an amazing solidarity within her bargaining unit. She has worked hard to establish her credibility and is recognized by both her employer and her co-workers for her honesty and integrity. Each small thank you that she receives for having helped, defended, accompanied, guided or believed in an employee gives her the motivation to continue.

In 2005, the death of Marie-Josée Lemieux, president of Local 503, affected her deeply. “We had the same thirst for justice.”  Marie-Josée’s contribution to women’s rights is a source of inspiration for Émilie. Now, when there are union activities for women they don’t take place during break periods.  Instead, employees are given time off from work and paid for attending.

“My union gave me the necessary training to succeed and above all to believe in myself.  I don’t remember the last time I felt that I wasn’t capable”, she declares.  The union changed her life. She has evolved from a self-conscious and shy young girl into a woman capable of expressing her opinion in any situation.

“We women still have a long road ahead of us. It's true that we are taking our rightful place more often, but we need to continue to work at changing perceptions, because even now we are still confined by certain stereotypes…

If a woman speaks loudly, she’s crazy.
If a man speaks loudly, he’s confident.
If a woman speaks with a tremor in her voice, she’s too emotional.
If a man speaks with vigor, he’s forceful.
A woman needs to prove herself in order to be believed.
A man is believed as soon as he opens his mouth.”