Members of the trade unions affiliated to the School Support Staff Federation unanimously decided in favor of a general strike, which could be of an indefinite nature.
“Faced with the Quebec government shutdown, members wanted to make a strong statement after almost a year of negotiations,” FPSS-CSQ president Éric Pronovost said in a news release Friday.
“We will follow the outcome of the votes of the other member unions of the Common Front before determining the continuation of these action instruments,” said Mr. Pronovost, who criticized Education Minister Bernard Drainville for being tone-deaf.
The role of school support staff, who make up around 40% of the total school staff in the province, remains essential in schools as they support the work of teachers and specialist staff.
“Without school support staff, schools and centers could not function, employer offers do not reflect our importance and our essential contribution to education,” lamented Mr. Pronovost, who called on the Legault government to take concrete measures.
Given the labor shortage, the CSQ-affiliated union is calling for measures to improve recruitment and retention, including promoting academic positions, ending timetables and balancing work and family life.