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Quebec province-wide public sector strike kicks off – a report from the Eastern Townships

A group of people standing in a row beside a paved highway. They are standing behind a barrier of orange traffic cones and are holding white and blue picket signs.
Quebec's public-sector unions mark the last day of their seven-day strike mandate. There is the possibility for more strike days if a deal is not reached before Christmas, according to union leaders. Photo by Taylor McClure.
Taylor McClure - CIDI - Knowlton • QC | 22-11-2023
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A province-wide public sector strike kicked off in Quebec on Nov. 21 that will see schools, daycares, and health and social services affected.

Covering the strike mandate at the local level, CIDI went to Massey-Vanier High-school on Tuesday and spoke with teacher Justin Forster, union representative for the school; and Tamara Porter, member of the schools’ support staff and union representative for the Townships Regional Union of Support Staff. They spoke about the challenges that teachers and support staff are facing in the classroom.

The Front commun syndical, which represents a collective of unions and over 420 000 teachers, school support staff and health care professionals and other unions like the Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec (FIQ) and the Fédération autonome de l'enseignement (FAE), have been at the negotiation tables with the Quebec provincial government over the course of this year. Members of these unions are asking for better working conditions, better wages, more resources, and further investment in the education and healthcare system. 

After rejecting the government’s most recent offer, members of the Front commun syndical walked the picket line on Tuesday. The unions are expected to strike up until Nov. 23 if a new deal is not reached before then and they are asking for the provincial government to take their demands seriously.

Today’s story also features a conversation with Knowlton Academy teacher Nicolas Lemaître and Vice-President of the Alliance du personnel professionnel et technique de la santé et des services sociaux (APTS) Josée Fréchette. 

Listen to the program below to hear more:

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