With Quebec’s offer, the salary of top-level teachers will rise from $92,000 to almost $102,000 per year, the education minister stressed. He calls on unions to present a counteroffer to end the indefinite general strike affecting 40% of public schools.
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“I think this is important information, not only for teachers but for the general public, because it shows that we are serious,” commented Bernard Drainville on Monday on the sidelines of a dinner conference of the Quebec Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
In addition, he points out that last week Prime Minister François Legault opened the door to improving the salary offer, both in the “parameters” applicable to all public servants and in sectoral offers.
But in return, Quebec is demanding more flexibility, remembers Bernard Drainville, in particular the allocation of courses in June instead of September.
“I’m not telling you a story, so far there has been no movement from the unions on the issue of flexibility, especially on improving services in the education sector. We had no chance in this regard,” complains the minister.
Little movement
In addition, both the government and unions reported little progress at the negotiating tables on Monday, despite many children remaining out of school.
However, the Autonomous Education Federation (FAE), whose members are on the picket line pending an agreement, reiterates that meetings with Quebec are planned every day this week.
The teachers’ union is calling for a reduction in classes, which too often consist of large numbers of students with special needs. In particular, he proposes the creation of a larger number of specialist classes, an idea supported by 88% of the population, according to a Léger survey commissioned by the union.
For his part, Bernard Drainville highlights that Quebec is already proposing to hire 4,000 “classroom helpers”, either daycare staff or specialized educational technicians, who will help in 15,000 groups from elementary school up to 10 to 15 hours a week.
“It’s important, the teaching aids. This represents almost $300 million that we will make available to you,” emphasizes Mr. Drainville for teachers.
Delays
Meanwhile, the minister is concerned about the delays caused by children being unable to attend school for a second week.
“This needs to be resolved as quickly as possible for the benefit of the children. What worries me at the moment is the backlog that is accumulating. The children are already barely recovering from the two years of the pandemic,” he said.
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