The mobilization of teachers is working and must therefore continue, assures the Autonomous Education Federation (FAE), which is asking its members to resume strike pickets from Monday.
In a video broadcast on Facebook Sunday afternoon, the president of the union organization, Mélanie Hubert, spoke directly to the approximately 66,000 FAE teachers who have been on an indefinite general strike since November 23.
While she acknowledged that the battle teachers are currently waging is “probably the hardest fight of all [leur] career,” she explained that mobilization allowed the union to make gains at the negotiating table.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
The president of the FAE, Mélanie Hubert
“The mobilization is working. What you have done since November 23 has borne fruit,” she promised in her message which was clearly intended to rally the troops on the eve of the start of another week of strike.
Last week, the government presented a new offer to teachers, which gave rise to a counter-offer which was tabled on Saturday by the FAE. Negotiations continued all weekend on this subject.
Mme Hubert explained in his video that the union managed to make gains on the supervision of recess and on the management of reception and support services for learning French (SASAF).
“We have also made progress on the composition of the class. The government has finally understood that this is a priority and essential,” she added, noting however that certain aspects of this issue still pose a problem.
The union also intends to continue negotiating to obtain progress regarding the salary scale, the autonomy of teachers during their personal work periods and the organization of adult education.
“We must remain determined to improve our lot, we work on it daily, and you can make the difference on your picket lines,” said Mr.me Hubert addressing the teachers.
“Even if it’s hard, even if it starts to take a long time, you have to be present. »
On Friday, Prime Minister François Legault asked the FAE to stop its indefinite general strike, arguing that this means of pressure is “bad for our children”. The union refused this request, denouncing the “emotional blackmail” of the Prime Minister.