Today, there are 570,000 workers on strike, or more than 10% of the Quebec working population. Never in the history of Quebec, Canada and even North America (since the AT&T strike in 1983) have there been so many of us asserting this right to improve our condition.
Perhaps as you read these lines, you can hear us, from the street, with our rattles and our cries. Perhaps you can hear the honks of encouragement we receive from the population.
Know that we are walking out for you too.
Yes, we greatly need to improve our salaries, which lag behind the rest of Quebec workers.
Yes, we need to improve our working and practice conditions to attract people and stop the exodus which is weakening public services.
But if we are in the streets today, it is also for you, your children, your parents, your loved ones. This is so that we can continue to care for them, support them, serve them and teach them. This is so that future generations can also benefit from the exceptional expertise of our public service workers.
Of the 570,000 people on the streets today, 450,000 are women. Those who have been taken for granted for centuries, in the name of their supposed vocation. Even today, this idea of “vocation” is never far away. Some dinosaurs will dare to say it out loud, while many think it quietly.
Our struggle is therefore also that of women who stand up and say “enough!” “. We love our profession, but let’s not be afraid of words, it’s a job. Often difficult work, work that pays its fair value.
Today, François Legault and his government will make history, but for the wrong reasons. It had been a long time since such great anger had overcome us. We lack words to express our dismay at the way in which the CAQ treats its “guardian angels”. “Derogatory”, “deplorable”, “out of touch”, “duplicate” and “sexist” are the first words that come to mind. Imagine what followed.
If you come across us today, come and support us for a moment. Let’s make history together, to provide Quebec with public services for everyone.