After several months of delay, negotiations for the renewal of agreements have finally begun for thousands of family daycare providers in Quebec.
But the largest grouping of these family daycare providers (RSG), FIPEQ, affiliated with the CSQ, says it is dissatisfied with the offer received from Quebec on April 11.
“If he wanted to put the ax in the family environment, this is his solution, he found it. There are people who will leave. How do you want to attract a new generation if we reduce working conditions? » exclaimed Valérie Grenon, president of the Federation of Early Childhood Workers (FIPEQ), in an interview.
She affirms that Quebec is proposing setbacks on the normative level. For example, the law provides for compulsory training of six hours per year for these RSGs. Previously, Quebec paid $85 for this improvement. Now, he no longer wants to pay the amount, but this improvement remains obligatory.
Quebec also wants to abolish a committee on which national issues related to childcare services could be discussed.
Financially, this remains insufficient, maintains Mme Grenon.
RSGs in a family environment are not paid in the same way as workers in early childhood centers. The latter are paid by the hour, while the RSG in a family environment receive a subsidy from the Ministry of Families to cover their remuneration and the expenses inherent to the childcare service, such as groceries and toys.
Mme Grenon reports that for a caregiver who takes in six children, for example, Quebec offers an increase equivalent to 12.7% over five years. However, inflation was higher.
Despite this somewhat frustrating start, FIPEQ, which represents 8,500 family daycare providers, wants to roll up its sleeves. Another negotiation meeting is scheduled for May 6 and the government seems ready to add dates, she reports.
FIPEQ has not yet requested conciliation for its RSG in a family environment, but it is not closing the door to the idea.
There is no question of heavy pressure tactics either “for the moment, no”, replies Mme Grenon.
The collective agreement for its 8,500 managers expired on March 31, 2023. FIPEQ submitted its requests in September 2023. It was only on April 11 that Quebec submitted its offers for those responsible in a family environment. They have not yet been submitted for workers in CPEs.
FIPEQ represents more than 11,000 workers in various childcare services in Quebec.