François Legault said Thursday morning he was willing to improve Quebec’s offer to public workers, but only in exchange for more flexibility from unions.
• Also read: Historic day: 560,000 workers go on strike
However, the Prime Minister has not quantified the increase he is prepared to put on the table.
Currently, Quebec is offering 10.3% over five years, in addition to larger increases in certain sectors. With all proposed amounts, including the lump sum, the government estimates its current proposal at 14.8%.
“We are ready to improve our offering, which is currently up 14.8%. We are ready to improve it. But I insist that it is not true that we will miss another negotiation to find the necessary flexibility to provide more effective services to Quebecers,” said François Legault during a press briefing a few minutes before the start of question period.
He was accompanied by Finance Ministry President Sonia Lebel, who is responsible for leading negotiations with unions representing some 600,000 state workers.
The proposed increase would affect both the salaries of all employees (the “Parameters”) and the improvements already planned in certain sectors to attract more workers.
- Listen to the interview with Claude Gravel, labor lawyer, on the microphone of Marie Montpetit on QUB radio:
More flexibility
The Prime Minister regrets that the unions are refusing to give the government more flexibility in organizing work.
For example, Quebec wants to give nurses the choice of working 12-hour shifts or evenings and weekends to reduce the use of mandatory overtime.
Quebec also wants to have the ability to assign classes to teachers starting in June, rather than doing so in a hurry just before the start of the school year.
“They don’t want to give us this flexibility,” says François Legault.
The Health Minister summarized the government’s philosophy as follows: “We must replace trade union rights with personal rights.”
Teaching aids
On the other hand, the Prime Minister believes that the proposal to hire 4,000 classroom assistants, one of the most important measures to reduce the burden on teachers, is well received by the unions.
“It works, the teaching aids,” assures Education Minister Bernard Drainville. I meet teachers who have class helpers and who tell me with shining eyes: “Mr. Drainville, I wouldn’t be able to get by without my class helper.”
However, the Education Minister is concerned about the impact of a prolonged suspension of classes. “If this strike lasts too long, it will impact the success of the children. Delays are increasing. Our children have barely survived two years of the pandemic,” he emphasizes.
Where will the money come from?
It remains to be seen where the money would come from to improve Quebec’s offering. Finance Minister Eric Girard confirmed in the latest economic update that he no longer had any room for maneuver.
For any increase, a loan from the state treasury must be granted, he said.
François Legault has also repeated several times that a 1% increase means $600 million more in the state budget.
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.
- Demonstration from Collège Maisonneuve in Montreal from 10 a.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.