Required reading and studying, controlling screen time, day camps: During teacher strike days, parents will do anything to keep their children occupied while juggling their work.
• Also read: Joint front strike: Quebec has appointed an arbitrator
• Also read: “This strike shouldn’t last for weeks,” says the parent representative
“It’s not easy, even when working remotely. You need to take them outside to play and prepare meals. It’s not like they’re sick and taking a nap. We want to be sure that they don’t just watch TV,” explains Éric Michaud.
The father of two children aged 7 and 9, his partner and their neighbors in Ruelle du Vieux-Limoilou in Quebec found an original solution to solve the problem.
Four families take turns caring for their children ages 7 to 11, including one child with special needs. On Tuesday they are with one neighbor, Wednesday with the other and Thursday with Mr. Michaud and his partner.
“It will be less stressful for everyone, instead of being half work and half family,” emphasizes Mr. Michaud.
Keep your children busy
Screen time is a big problem for many parents because they cannot keep an eye on their children all day.
“We will structure the days so that they can continue to read and carry out certain studies independently,” says Mélanie Paré, Laval resident.
Gabriel Deschamps, 11 years old and his mother Mélanie Paré. Report on parent organizations before the teachers’ strike. Photo taken on November 20, 2023. PHOTO PROVIDED BY MÉLANIE PARÉ PHOTO PROVIDED BY MÉLANIE PARÉ
The latter will spend alternating teleworking days with those of her partner to stay with her boys, respectively in the 6th year of primary school and in the third year of secondary school.
François Longpré has two boys, in the third year of primary school and the third year of secondary school, in schools in Plateau-Mont-Royal.
He fully supports the teachers’ strike, which he believes is a lesser evil for the quality of services in the short term, but still fears the impact of a long strike on his children.
Looks like a pandemic
“I will force a little reading and academic work, but it is certain that school is not worth it,” says Mr. Longpré. We experienced that a bit during the pandemic and it wasn’t very positive, teaching at home,” says the carer, who will take his children with him during the strike days.
François Longpré surrounded by his partner Marianne Bourdouxhe and his children Émile (left) and Thomas (right). Photo agency QMI, JOEL LEMAY
For her part, Montrealer Rosalie Voisin plans to bring forward her vacation to ease the headache of caring for her five-year-old daughter.
“I feel like I’m reliving the pandemic and having to work very early in the morning and late at night. “It’s really not the right thing for mental health,” she worries.
Sophie Panhard, owner of Montreal boutique Heureux de Nature, is used to working with her six-year-old son and even has a play area in her store.
“I thought about offering blocks of one to three hours to help families by offering guided activities such as yoga and crafts,” explains the person, who is willing to host up to six children for a contribution.
Sophie Panhard, owner of boutique Heureux de Nature, will welcome her six-year-old son and other children into her shop during the strike. Photo Anouk Lebel
Strike camp
Parents are also resorting to day camps that were organized for the strike and could be extended if necessary.
“We announced it to parents and it filled up pretty quickly, thank you very much,” emphasizes Nathalie Dion, general director of the United Group of Educators-Naturalists and Environmental Professionals, which is organizing a “strike camp” this week.
Strike calendar
daily
Tuesday
Joint Frontline Attack – Day 1 of 3
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 Frontline Attack – Day 2 of 3
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 Frontline Attack – Day 3 of 3
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.
FIQ Strike – Day 1 of 2
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.
Unlimited general strike for the FAE
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.
Friday
FIQ Strike – Day 2 of 2
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.
Unlimited general strike for the FAE
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 and CEGEPs
- 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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