Quebec is experiencing a historic strike movement. It has been decades since we have seen such mobilization.
What is most striking is how angry state employees are. This discontent can be heard, it can be read, it can be measured in the strike votes and in the crowds on the marches or on the picket lines.
The extreme case is the FAE. The Autonomous Federation of Education goes on an indefinite general strike. They say they are ready to hold out until Christmas, without a strike fund. This means that the 66,000 teachers on strike will not receive a penny of compensation during the conflict. Quite a sacrifice that adds to the anger!
An outside observer who arrived in Quebec would probably be led to think that the employer is in the process of destroying working conditions. Let him cut salaries, attack the pension plan or take away weeks of vacation. This is generally the kind of employer offensive that generates this level of outrage.
- Listen to the Dutrizac – Dumont meeting broadcast live every day at 7:05 a.m. via QUB radio :
Improve, nothing else
However, in reality, nothing of the sort happens. The government is not taking anything away from employees. All, all the discussion is about improving their conditions. No one in Quebec is currently threatening to affect the benefits of state workers, even leave or pension plans which appear a little unusual by today’s standards.
It may be found that the proposed improvements are insufficient. There is concern that wage increases will not completely cover inflation, threatening purchasing power. It’s legitimate to ask for more. But it must be recognized that union members are fighting for improvements and are not defending themselves against attack, despite their acrimonious language.
I am making a historical parallel. The last wave of strikes of this magnitude in the public sector dates back to 1983. The PQ government had just cut public sector salaries by 20% for one quarter. Anger that is easy to explain.
Photo Agence QMI, Joël Lemay
Understanding anger
So how can we understand the anger expressed these days in the streets? We must necessarily take note of a rather worrying sickness. We must hear the expression of great fatigue. The last few years have been very hard in hospitals. The staff are out of breath and feel abandoned.
Nothing is going well in the schools anymore. Unmanageable classes, violence, lack of support, teachers have it all.
We can lay the foundations for certain improvements, but it is impossible to reverse such a situation in a single negotiation. Managers on the ground, like ministers, will have to worry about the well-being of their employees for years to come. Priority!
For the rest, we feel that the horns have convinced many union members that with popular support, they will obtain everything they ask for. Union leaders will have to remind them of the basis of negotiation: compromise.
Strike calendar
day by day
Tuesday
Common Front Strike Day 1 of 3
Details
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
Details
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
Details
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
- Rally planned in front of the National Assembly of Quebec between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
- Demonstration from Collège Maisonneuve in Montreal from 10 a.m.
FIQ strike Day 1 of 2
Details
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.
FAE general strike Unlimited
Details
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.
