Some 550 border guards who ensure schoolchildren cross safely every day could be furloughed by the city of Montreal starting Friday because of the strike that is crippling the education sector.
This was confirmed on Tuesday afternoon by Marie-Claude Lessard, union adviser at CUPE, in an email to the QMI agency.
“The brigadier generals will be released from Friday […] unless there is an agreement and the indefinite strike is called off,” she explained.
For its part, the City of Montreal pointed out that this provision was included in the last collective agreement signed with the border guards.
“Collective assembly […] provides that they take unpaid leave from the fourth day of inactivity,” said Marikym Gaudreault, press secretary for the city’s executive committee.
However, she noted that due to this “extraordinary context” a solution other than dismissal should be found.
“We will do everything necessary to avoid this scenario at all costs. [si le mouvement de grève se poursuit]» assured Ms. Gaudreault.
A few minutes later, the mayor of Montreal, Valérie Plante, assured on X: “Brigadiers are essential, the city will not allow them.”[a] do not fall.
Brigadier General are indispensable, we will not abandon them.
In the current context, we will find a fair solution for the brigadiers concerned, although the collective agreement was signed and negotiated in good faith with the… pic.twitter.com/b3xkDp6W5O
— Valérie Plante (@Val_Plante) November 21, 2023
Remember that classes in Montreal schools are suspended until Thursday due to the strike by school staff affiliated with the Common Front.
For some of these schools, this suspension could be extended due to the indefinite strike by teachers of the Autonomous Education Federation (FAE), which will begin on November 23rd.
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
- A large demonstration is not planned.
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.