Sonia LeBel will meet the leaders of the Union Common Front on Wednesday, in the hope of unblocking negotiations for the renewal of collective agreements in the public sector. The FAE, whose members are on an indefinite general strike, was however not invited to the meeting.
• Read also: Meeting with Minister LeBel: “I don’t think we’re going to have anything concrete today,” says the CSN
• Read also: Unlimited general strike: teachers are considering changing jobs, says the FAE
• Read also: Back in Montreal: Magali Picard’s message to union members
• Read also: School days missed due to strike: should spring break be given up?
“My priority is really to resolve the negotiations as quickly as possible. And as I said last week, we are asking the unions to come and sit down with us,” declared Prime Minister François Legault on Wednesday, before going to the question period.
The president of the Treasury Board will meet with the leaders of the CSN, FTQ, CSQ and APTS during an in-person meeting at 4 p.m. The location of the event has not been communicated.
Freshly arrived from Dubai, where she planned to attend COP28 before withdrawing, the president of the FTQ, Magali Picard, will therefore have to participate in an important summit meeting, despite the time difference.
- Listen to the interview with Mélanie Hubert, president of the Autonomous Education Federation (FAE), on Alexandre Dubé’s show via QUB radio:
Flexibility requested
Mr. Legault reiterated, on Wednesday, his proposal to increase the salary offer made to the 600,000 state employees currently using pressure tactics, in exchange for greater flexibility in the organization of work.
“We must find openness in the organization of work,” Sonia LeBel also insisted.
With 80,000 members on an indefinite general strike, the Autonomous Education Federation will however not be at the meeting on Wednesday.
The President of the Treasury Board assures that this absence is not intended to send a message.
“You have to understand that, when I have to meet the unions, I meet them separately,” underlines Ms. LeBel.
“So you must not read anything, positive or negative. The meeting planned for today is with the Common Front,” she specifies.
The minister, however, refused to specify whether a meeting with the FAE and other unions is planned in the short term.
Strike calendar
day by day
Tuesday
Common Front Strike – Day 1 of 3
Who is mobilized?
- 420,000 workers affiliated with the CSN, the CSQ, the FTQ and the APTS. This front brings together workers from the health and education networks.
- In schools, the Common Front represents support staff, professionals and 60% of teachers.
- In CEGEPs, 85% of teachers are affiliated with the Common Front via the CSN.
- In the health network, the Common Front represents professionals and technicians in addition to office employees.
Disruptions to expect
- Picket lines in front of schools, CEGEPs, health and social service establishments.
- Classes in schools and daycare services are suspended in most school service centers in Quebec. Also closure of administrative centers.
Planned events
- No large-scale demonstration is planned.
Wednesday
Common Front Strike – Day 2 of 3
Who is mobilized?
- 420,000 workers affiliated with the CSN, the CSQ, the FTQ and the APTS. This front brings together workers from the health and education networks.
- In schools and CEGEPs, the Common Front represents support employees, professionals and 60% of teachers.
- In the health network, the Common Front represents professionals and technicians in addition to office employees.
Disruptions to expect
- Picket lines in front of schools, CEGEPs, health and social service establishments.
- Classes in schools and daycare services are suspended in most school service centers in Quebec. Also closure of administrative centers.
Planned events
- No large-scale demonstration is planned.
THURSDAY
Common Front Strike – Day 3 of 3
Who is mobilized?
- 420,000 workers affiliated with the CSN, the CSQ, the FTQ and the APTS. This front brings together workers from the health and education networks.
- In schools and CEGEPs, the Common Front represents support employees, professionals and 60% of teachers.
- In the health network, the Common Front represents professionals and technicians in addition to office employees.
Disruptions to expect
- Picket lines in front of schools, CEGEPs, health and social service establishments.
- Classes in schools and daycare services are suspended in most school service centers in Quebec. Also closure of administrative centers.
Planned events
- No large-scale demonstration is planned.
FIQ strike – Day 1 of 2
Who is mobilized?
- The Quebec Interprofessional Health Federation (FIQ) represents 80,000 nurses, practical nurses, respiratory therapists and clinical perfusionists.
Disruptions to expect
- Picket lines in front of health and social services establishments.
- In the health network, the strike is governed by essential services. Some treatments will therefore be slowed down on certain units.
- It is also mandatory that 70% of operating services and 80% of services in subspecialized centers be maintained.
Planned events
- No large-scale demonstration is planned.
Unlimited general strike for the FAE
Who is mobilized?
- The Autonomous Education Federation (FAE) represents 66,000 teachers located in Montreal, Quebec, Outaouais, the Laurentians, Estrie and Montérégie. This represents 40% of teachers.
Disruptions to expect
- Picket lines in front of schools
- Suspension of classes for an indefinite period in school service centers represented by the FAE. The return to class will only happen if the union reaches an agreement in principle or sees significant progress at the negotiating table.
Planned events
- At 11:30 a.m., demonstration “for teachers and public schools” organized by the FAE at Jarry Park, in Montreal.
Friday
FIQ strike – Day 2 of 2
Who is mobilized?
- The Quebec Interprofessional Health Federation (FIQ) represents 80,000 nurses, practical nurses, respiratory therapists and clinical perfusionists.
Disruptions to expect
- Picket lines in front of health and social services establishments.
- In the health network, the strike is governed by essential services. Some treatments will therefore be slowed down on certain units.
- It is also mandatory that 70% of operating services and 80% of services in subspecialized centers be maintained.
Planned events
- No large-scale demonstration is planned.
Unlimited general strike for the FAE
Who is mobilized?
- The Autonomous Education Federation (FAE) represents 66,000 teachers located in Montreal, Quebec, Outaouais, the Laurentians, Estrie and Montérégie. This represents 40% of teachers.
Disruptions to expect
- Picket lines in front of schools and CEGEPs
- Suspension of classes for an indefinite period in school service centers represented by the FAE. The return to class will only happen if the union reaches an agreement in principle or sees significant progress at the negotiating table.
Planned events
- At 11:30 a.m., demonstration “for teachers and public schools” organized by the FAE at Jarry Park, in Montreal.