A third day of strikes begins in the public sector, marking a decisive moment: on Thursday, 565,500 public workers will take to the streets, a record number, including 65,000 teachers, who will begin an indefinite strike.
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Thousands of parents are holding their breath as an agreement still seems out of reach.
“We are moving from words to actions,” says Mélanie Hubert, president of the Autonomous Education Federation (FAE), which represents 40% of the province’s teachers, based mostly in Montreal, Quebec, Montérégie, Estrie and the Laurentians.
Hundreds of schools in these areas remain closed until further notice.
Discussions at the negotiating tables are still ongoing, but the two parties are still “far from an agreement,” says Ms. Hubert.
The FAE, which had already called for the involvement of a mediator in May, does not currently intend to appoint a mediator, as was the case with the Common Front earlier this week.
“Negotiate differently”
Rather, the trade union federation is looking for “new ways” to “negotiate differently”. “We hope that we will be able to do things differently,” says Ms. Hubert, who notes “progress in the quality of the discussions” between the two parties.
In the office of Treasury Board President Sonia LeBel on Wednesday, we simply stated that negotiations were continuing without wanting to comment further.
An “electric shock”
Some of the teachers are still hoping for a quick outcome, others are preparing for a longer conflict. Parents are reliving everyday life during the pandemic and wondering how long they will have to hold out.
“Perhaps the strike will create enough pressure to accelerate movement at the tables and allow for settlement,” said Thomas Collombat, a political scientist at the University of Quebec in Outaouais who is interested in the union movement.
This “ultimate” means of pressure serves to create an “electric shock”, he adds, stressing that the FAE is known for its “more demanding approach”.
Record number of strikers
For their part, the 420,000 employees of the Common Front begin their third and last day of strike on Thursday. Further strike days could be announced soon, while pressure tactics that could go as far as an indefinite general strike have been approved by members.
The 80,000 nurses and other health workers represented by the Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec (FIQ) will also go on strike on Thursday and Friday.
The healthcare network will function slowly, but essential services will be maintained.
Disruptions planned for Thursday:
Montreal
Great March “for teachers and public schools” organized by the Autonomous Federation of Education (FAE). Departure from Parc Jarry, arrival on Avenue du Parc.
Quebec
Rally in front of the National Assembly organized by members of the Common Front.
Strike calendar
daily
Tuesday
Joint Front Strike Day 1 of 3
details
Who is mobilized?
- 420,000 workers are affiliated to the CSN, the CSQ, the FTQ and the APTS. This front brings together employees from the health and education networks.
- In schools, the Common Front represents support staff, specialists and 60% of teachers.
- In CEGEPs, 85% of teachers are connected to the Common Front through the CSN.
- In the health network, the Common Front represents not only office workers but also specialists and technicians.
Disturbances are to be expected
- Picketing in front of schools, CEGEPs, health and social services.
- School and daycare classes are suspended in most school service centers in Quebec. Also closure of administrative centers.
Planned events
- A large demonstration is not planned.
Wednesday
Joint front strike day 2 of 3
details
Who is mobilized?
- 420,000 workers are affiliated to the CSN, the CSQ, the FTQ and the APTS. This front brings together employees from the health and education networks.
- In schools and CEGEPs, the Common Front represents support staff, professionals and 60% of teachers.
- In the health network, the Common Front represents not only office workers but also specialists and technicians.
Disturbances are to be expected
- Picketing in front of schools, CEGEPs, health and social services.
- School and daycare classes are suspended in most school service centers in Quebec. Also closure of administrative centers.
Planned events
- A large demonstration is not planned.
THURSDAY
Joint front strike day 3 of 3
details
Who is mobilized?
- 420,000 workers are affiliated to the CSN, the CSQ, the FTQ and the APTS. This front brings together employees from the health and education networks.
- In schools and CEGEPs, the Common Front represents support staff, professionals and 60% of teachers.
- In the health network, the Common Front represents not only office workers but also specialists and technicians.
Disturbances are to be expected
- Picketing in front of schools, CEGEPs, health and social services.
- School and daycare classes are suspended in most school service centers in Quebec. Also closure of administrative centers.
Planned events
- Planned rally in front of the National Assembly of Quebec between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
FIQ strike day 1 of 2
details
Who is mobilized?
- The Quebec Interprofessional Health Federation (FIQ) represents 80,000 nurses, practical nurses, respiratory therapists and clinical perfusionists.
Disturbances are to be expected
- Picketing in front of health and social care facilities.
- In the health network, the strike is governed by essential services. Therefore, some treatments will be slowed down on certain units.
- In addition, it is mandatory that 70% of operational services and 80% of services be maintained in subspecialty centers.
Planned events
- A large demonstration is not planned.
FAE general strike without borders
details
Who is mobilized?
- The Autonomous Education Federation (FAE) represents 66,000 teachers in Montreal, Quebec, Outaouais, the Laurentians, Estrie and Montérégie. This corresponds to 40% of teachers.
Disturbances are to be expected
- Picketing in front of schools
- Suspension of classes for an indefinite period in the school service centers represented by the FAE. A return to class will only be possible if the union reaches an agreement in principle or makes significant progress at the negotiating table.
Planned events
- At 11:30 a.m. demonstration “for teachers and public schools” organized by the FAE in Jarry Park in Montreal.
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