The 420,000 union members represented by the Common Front will begin a new strike sequence from December 8th to 14th. An indefinite general strike after Christmas is being considered if negotiations continue beyond the holidays.
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This is what we can read in an internal memo sent to members of a local union on Montreal’s south shore that represents teachers and school staff affiliated with the Centrale des syndicats du Québec, a member of the Common Front.
Common Front officials officially announced seven more days of strikes during a news conference in Montreal on Tuesday, where they took stock of future pressure tactics.
“I think we are in good faith at the moment. We want to maintain mobilization. […] The goal is a collective agreement [qui reflète ce qui est] the best for the public sector,” explained François Enault, first vice-president of the CSN, specifying that this will be the longest joint front strike in 50 years.
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This announcement was highly anticipated following the strike by Public Sector Joint Front union members, which shut down the network for three days last week. All schools in the province were closed during the strike.
“The Common Front concluded that instituting a strike sequence prior to the start of the Indefinite General Strike (GGI) was the most strategic option to reach an agreement before the holidays,” we can see in a preserved email to Champlain Union members reading from Le Journal de Montréal.
The Joint Front still believes an agreement is possible by the holidays, noting a “change in tone” from management.
“Snail’s steps are not enough at this stage of the negotiations. It is time to start the engines, lower the mandates and reach an agreement at all negotiating tables,” the union group said in a press release.
“The strike is a tool, a means of pressure,” explained Éric Gingras, president of the CSQ, during the press conference. The latter also clarified: “Never [ils] will not strike if an agreement is within reach.
Spokespeople from the three union centers and the Alliance of Professional and Technical Personnel in Health and Social Services (APTS) spoke in Montreal as the standoff with Quebec continues.
The negotiations, which failed mainly over the issue of wages and working conditions, led to the appointment of an arbitrator to try to smooth things over between the two conflicting parties.
Common Front unions complain of a pay gap of 11.9%, while the average salary of their members, 78% of whom are women, is $43,916, while total compensation is down 3.9%.
“Expectations regarding salary and working conditions are high,” said Mr. Gingras, who hopes for an agreement as quickly as possible.
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
- Planned rally in front of the National Assembly of Quebec between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
- Demonstration from Collège Maisonneuve in Montreal from 10 a.m.
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.
Friday
FIQ strike day 2 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 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.
SPGQ strike day 2 of 2
details
Who is mobilized?
- Some members of the Union of Professionals of the Government of Quebec (SPGQ), which represents 700 employees of ten CEGEPs, are on strike on November 23 and 24.
Disturbances are to be expected
- Classes are canceled in the following establishments: Cégep André-Laurendeau, Cégep de Jonquière, Cégep de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Cégep de Lanaudière, Cégep de Saint-Hyacinthe, Cégep de Sainte-Foy, Cégep de Thetford, Cégep de Trois-Rivières , Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne and Collège Montmorency.
Planned events
- A large demonstration is not planned.
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