Defne Aliefendioglu
News Editor
Via Radio-Canada
Quebec is currently facing a major public sector strike for better salaries and working conditions. The strike is a result of ongoing tensions between the government and various unions, which, according to Global News, represent around 600,000 public sector employees. The unions consist of teachers and nurses who are demanding higher salaries, better working conditions, and lower worker-to-patient ratios. The workers are taking a stand to address these issues and ensure that their rights and needs are met. The strike serves as a powerful demonstration of their unified voice and determination to fight for improved conditions in the public sector.
Four unions, namely: the Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN), the Centrale des syndicats du Québec (CSQ), the Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec (FTQ), and the Alliance du personnel professionnel et technique de la santé et des services sociaux (APTS) have joined together and formed a “Common Front,” consisting of roughly 420,000 members in health, education, and social service sectors to go on strike together. Additionally, the Fédération autonome de l'enseignement (FAE), separate from the Common Front and representing teachers across Quebec, will also be striking. The Quebec public sector strike took place from November 21st to November 23rd for the Common Front and the FAE, and from November 23rd to November 24th for the Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec (FIQ), which, according to FIQ Santé, consists of over 80,000 nurses, licensed practical nurses, respiratory therapists, and clinical perfusionists.
The strike involved approximately 570,000 to 600,000 public sector employees, making it a significant movement with far-reaching effects. Schools and daycare services closed during the strike, causing parents to have to find alternative child-care arrangements. Furthermore, hospitals experienced slowdowns in their services. However, it is important to note that essential services, including emergency rooms, were maintained throughout the strike. This ensured that individuals in need of urgent medical assistance would still receive the necessary care and attention.
Quebec Labour Minister Jean Boulet has taken a step towards resolving the ongoing strike by appointing a conciliator to facilitate collective bargaining talks. However, the conciliator's recommendations will not be binding. The strike, if prolonged, could have significant consequences on the education and healthcare sectors. Schools and hospitals may continue to face disruptions and challenges in delivering quality services. In order to prevent future strikes and ensure the smooth functioning of schools and hospitals, successful negotiations need to take place.
The strikes began after the rejection of the most recent contract offer from the Quebec government, which was made in late October to all workers and included a one-time payment of $1,000 and a 10.3% wage rise over five years, a slight improvement over the 9% for the same timeframe proposed last December. Rather, the unions seek a three-year agreement with salary increases linked to the rate of inflation: in the first year, the increases will be of two percentage points above inflation or $100 per week (whichever is more advantageous); in the second year, three percentage points above inflation, and in the third year, four percentage points above inflation, according to CityNews.
Additionally, as the government refused to listen to the demands of healthcare workers and worsened their working conditions, the members of the FIQ went on strike. Julie Bouchard, president of the FIQ, said, “When a government believes it is reasonable to offer healthcare professionals a salary increase that doesn’t even cover inflation, when it wants to move them between centers of activities likes pawns, without taking their expertise into account, there’s only one thing to do: denounce the unacceptable and turn up the heat.”
The strike has immobilized schools across the province, causing concern among parents and administrators. However, the union has issued a stern warning that the strike may continue until late December if a satisfactory agreement is not reached. The determination of teachers to fight for their demands is evident as they express their willingness to go to great lengths to ensure that their voices are heard.