(Montreal) The Federation of Early Childhood Workers has just filed a complaint in court against the Quebec government, because of the salary increases for educators that were unilaterally decided on last October 14.
The FIPEQ, which is affiliated with the CSQ, alleges an obstacle to union activities, since salary increases are part of the clauses that are normally negotiated between the parties, and not decided unilaterally.
Article 12 of the Quebec Labor Code stipulates that an employer “will not seek in any way” to hinder the activities of an association of employees.
In its lawsuit, of which The Canadian Press has obtained a copy, the FIPEQ and its unions in the CPEs argue that negotiations had started several months ago when Quebec thus decided to act unilaterally, on the pretext of the urgency of giving a better salary. educators. However, the shortage of educators existed long before October 14, they argue.
By unilaterally deciding to partially increase the salaries of educators, the Conseil du trésor and the Ministère de la Famille found themselves imposing a working condition that was part of the present negotiation and that the unions had already deemed insufficient, add the FIPEQ. and its unions.