The mobilization of teachers in Montreal is increasing: children will soon be greeted at school by demonstrative teachers, and open days in secondary schools may be interrupted.
Posted at 3:37 p.m.
In an email to parents, the province’s largest service center wrote that “teaching staff mobilization and picketing activities are planned for September 27, October 11 and 25, and November 8.”
“Unless otherwise stated,” schools will remain open and all services will be maintained.
The president of the Montreal Teachers’ Alliance makes it clear that this is not a “picket line”: No offense, the children will actually be able to go to school.
“It’s not like a picket line during a strike: these are visibility activities that we organize,” explains Catherine Beauvais-St-Pierre.
The general director of the CSSDM wrote to parents that “some students may be surprised by this presence.” “Do not hesitate to talk to your child about it to prepare him for this eventuality,” continues Isabelle Gélinas.
This union action comes as part of national collective bargaining in the public sector.
Since the start of the school year, teachers from the Montreal Teachers’ Alliance have been following instructions to “refocus work on teaching and possibly reduce things that are less important.”
In particular, extracurricular activities have been canceled and secondary school open days currently taking place may be disrupted.
“Most teachers told management that they would not take part in these activities,” says Ms. Beauvais-St-Pierre. The schools have decided to carry out these activities online instead of on site.
Members of this union also have an indefinite general strike mandate.