More than one in two Quebecers support the use of strikes as a means of pressure by teachers, and this is even more true for parents, despite the protracted labor dispute.
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According to a Léger poll commissioned by TVA, published on Monday and seen by Le Journal, 56% of respondents said they supported a teachers' strike, while 34% were against it.
Among those who have school-age children, the proportion of supporters even rises to 63%.
“This is the most important data […]it shows the strength of the support of the population,” analyzes the president of the company, Jean-Marc Léger, especially since “they are the ones who have the most direct influence” of this standoff with the government.
Note that the question asked did not distinguish between union membership and the length of work stoppages.
The Common Front, which represents 60% of the province's teachers, staged occasional strikes that lasted a total of nine days. The Autonomous Education Federation, which represents 40% of them, has been on an indefinite general strike since November 23rd.
Result: 368,000 students have not been able to return to school, raising concerns among both parents and experts.
“Unusual”
In general, both education and health workers occupy a strong position in public opinion, as the survey conducted in recent days shows.
In fact, 52% of Quebecers support the position of the Common Front, which brings together 420,000 workers from these two sectors, compared to 28% for the government's position.
After the distribution of undecided voters, these conditions have remained the same since the beginning of November, emphasizes Mr. Léger.
“And that’s rare. That’s what’s extraordinary about it,” says the pollster, who points out that “usually support decreases once the pressure tactics start.”
He believes that unions have been able to use public competition to their advantage, taking advantage of a government whose dissatisfaction is “increasing.”
“Folks, what you perceive in this fight is not just a matter of salary”; They “want a better health system and a better education system,” emphasizes Jean-Marc Léger.
Boundaries
However, this lead in public opinion is short-lived and may have reached its peak.
“It won’t be the same in a month or two. There is a limit, you can’t pull the rubber band for too long,” says Mr. Léger.
The unions' strategy is also double-edged, he warns.
“It has implications for future recruitment. Yes, in the short term the cross-union Common Front wins, but in the medium term more, every day you prove that the conditions are met [de travail] are unacceptable, [plus] It will have an impact on young new people who want to get involved in health or education. There is no one who wins in this kind of confrontation.”
Among healthcare professionals, the majority of respondents (56%) also support a strike. However, this rate drops to 47% for those over 55 years old.
“It is more fragile for those who benefit most from it,” notes Jean-Marc Léger.
In summary
52% of respondents are more supportive of the Common Front position, compared to 28% for the government's position
56% are in favor of using teacher strikes, while 34% are against it
56% support the use of the strike by health workers, while 36% are against it
methodology
A web survey was conducted among 1,012 Quebecers who were at least 18 years old and could speak French or English. The data was collected from December 15th to 18th, 2023. It is not possible to calculate a margin of error for a panel sample, but for comparison: the maximum margin of error for a sample of 1012 respondents is ± 3.1%, 19 times out of 20.
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