The reality is becoming increasingly difficult for teachers affiliated with the Autonomous Education Federation (FAE), who have been on indefinite general strike since November 23rd. Speak to Claudia Bouchard, teacher and single mother who is under “enormous stress.”
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While there are no “blitz negotiations” planned this weekend, the possibility of a return to class before Christmas is becoming increasingly remote for 40% of Quebec students.
Claudia Bouchard, a mother of three, believed the strike was necessary for the future of public schools and yet faced heartbreaking decisions.
To cope with the inflation crisis and loss of salary, the teacher from Greater Quebec had to draw on the funds from her TFSA, which she has been saving in for five years.
Like many Quebecers, Ms. Bouchard now has to go to food banks to meet her family's needs.
In an interview with our journalist Sébastien Dubois, the striker says that she will fight for the quality of education in the coming years.
TVA News
She also shared the sacrifices many of her colleagues have to make.
“It's a lot of stress, especially as the holidays approach, especially when you have a family to support. “There is economic stress, but on the other hand there is a lot of support that I did not expect,” she says, welcoming the solidarity that exists between her colleagues in the education sector.
“That’s what’s keeping us going at the moment. There are some who have more difficulty than others. There are situations that are more difficult than others […] [,] I won't hide the fact that I have panic attacks, because that's relatively good, but what will it look like in January, February? It’s worrying.”
In a message posted on Instagram late Friday, the FAE president assured that the union group would be available for negotiations “all weekend.”
“The management has also assured us of availability for the next two days. What remains to be done is to move the work forward and arrange meetings to talk again if necessary […] “Don’t worry, the negotiations will continue at the weekend,” said Mélanie Hubert.
*See explanations in the video above*
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