Public sector negotiations are in full swing. For several weeks, thousands of workers have been mobilizing and demonstrating to have the legitimacy of their demands recognized. Moreover, the vast majority of the population has lined up behind Quebec government employees, and recognizes the urgency of improving their working conditions.
The health and education sectors are at the heart of the talks. And with good reason. These networks have been held at arm’s length for too long by staff. Furthermore, beyond the traditional requests for “flexibility” repeated by the employer side, the Minister of Health, Christian Dubé, and the Minister of Education, Bernard Drainville, agree that it is important to act seriously in order to to improve the situation.
But a ministerial voice is currently bitterly missing. That of the Minister of Higher Education, Pascale Déry. Indeed, where is M hiding?me Déry in these crucial moments? We don’t see it on any platform, we don’t hear it anywhere.
It is time for the minister to come out of her torpor and ensure that the college network will also get all the attention it deserves. CEGEP staff must also be at the heart of government concerns during these negotiations. Teachers, support staff and professional staff must resonate during the discussions that take place at the negotiation tables.
Madam Minister of Higher Education, an entire network seems to have been ignored during this negotiation. However, college education has always been at the heart of the cultural, economic and social development of Quebec. You are responsible for this network. It’s time to act.
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