The announcement of two separate strikes in the education sector is disrupting the plans of many parents. To see more clearly, THE Duty looked at some questions that may have an impact on their daily lives.
Which schools are affected by the strike?
In the education sector there are two main unions which share responsibilities. The Autonomous Education Federation (FAE) represents primary and secondary teachers in Montreal and some school service centers in Laval, Quebec, Montérégie, Laurentides and Outaouais. These will be closed for an unlimited period from November 23.
Around 60% of Quebec teachers are represented by the Centrale des syndicats du Québec (CSQ), affiliated with the Inter-union Common Front. The Common Front also represents support staff, professionals in all schools in Quebec, as well as the entire staff. They announced a three-day strike, from November 21 to 23.
All Quebec schools and CEGEPs will therefore be affected by the strike from November 21 to 23. Schools in Montreal and other service centers served by FAE staff will be closed until further notice. You can consult the map of affected establishments on the FAE website.
How long will the strike last?
The FAE has declared an indefinite general strike, so it is currently impossible to know how long it will last. This will depend, in particular, on progress at the negotiating table. “The state of mind of teachers is to want to fight until the end,” declared recently in an interview with Duty Catherine Beauvais-St-Pierre, president of the Alliance of Montreal Professors, which reports to the FAE. And what that means is to fight until we have a satisfactory agreement. »
For its part, the Common Front announced a three-day sequence, from November 21 to 23. No other date has been brought forward. It is not excluded that the Common Front also decides to launch an unlimited general strike after this sequence. Indeed, the strike mandate that had been granted to the union gave it free rein to go as far as an unlimited general strike, but specified that it should be preceded by short sequences of strikes. The mandate, however, did not indicate how much footage would be required.
Can the government force a resumption of classes?
In sectors subject to the Essential Services Act, such as health, employees are obliged to provide a minimum of services even when they are on strike. This is not the case in the education sector. However, at any time, the government can decide to decree a special law to put an end to a strike in the public sector.
There is nothing that determines under what circumstances a government can force employees to return to work, explains André Lamoureux, lecturer in the Department of Political Science at UQAM and political analyst. “It is the government which decides according to its priorities and its requirements. » The political and social context, as well as the population’s support or not for union members, will weigh in the balance, he specifies.
“If the government were to decide to resort to a special law, not only would this have extremely serious repercussions considering the current state of the networks, but it would also have to bear the brunt of it,” responds François Enault, first vice -president of the CSN and responsible for public sector negotiations.
“At present, all efforts are being devoted to the ongoing negotiations to quickly reach negotiated agreements,” responds the Treasury Board Secretariat.
Will strike days resume later in the school year?
Quebec “does not rule out” the possibility of asking schools to cut educational days or extend the school year. “The decision has not yet been made,” said the Minister of Education, Bernard Drainville, Thursday morning. “As you know, the law prescribes 180 days in class, 180 days of educational services and 20 days of pedagogical days. […] I would tell you that it will depend a lot on the duration of the strikes,” he added.
The day before, the first vice-president of the CSN, François Enault, claimed to have not yet received any directive to this effect. “It is up to the management of the establishments concerned to decide,” he argued. As far as we are concerned, we have not received any indication to this effect at this time. »
Can teachers give work during strike days?
No, because that would hinder their right to strike, replies the FAE. For its part, the CSQ, a member of the Common Front, affirms that this falls within the autonomy of the teacher. As the Common Front strike is currently only scheduled for three days in the middle of the week, teachers could, for example, give homework and lessons to students before leaving on Monday, with the idea of return to class on Friday. This response could evolve if the Common Front also decides to move towards an unlimited general strike.
As for CEGEPs, work is given to students at the start of the session, so the strike should not have any impact on this plan.
Will public opinion follow?
“We think that public opinion is behind us,” replies François Enault, of the Common Front. A recent survey proves him right.
André Lamoureux also notes that union members have the support of the public at the moment, but believes that the tide can quickly turn. “If the strike only lasts a few days, this sympathy can hold up. But if it extends over several days or weeks, it risks falling apart very, very quickly. »
The very nature of union demands could also work against them, adds Mr. Lamoureux. In the current economic context, the unions’ demand — a 20% increase over three years — may be poorly received. And since the government has already made four offers, all refused, Mr. Lamoureux believes that intransigence from the unions could turn against them.