The head of one of Quebec's largest trade unions, the Centrale des syndicats du Québec (CSQ), was in the Outaouais yesterday (October 5) to mark International Teachers' Day.

CSQ President Éric Gingras was invited to Maniwaki by one of the group's affiliated unions, the Syndicat du personnel de l'enseignement des Hautes-Rivières (SPEHR-CSQ), which represents teachers in the region's French schools and vocational centers. Last week, SPEHR members voted overwhelmingly in favour of a strike mandate as part of a larger mobilization of public sector labour across the province, with the CSQ and several other large unions forming a coalition under the banner "Front Commun" (Common Front).

Speaking to CHIP 101.9 prior to addressing 70 delegates at the Auberge du Draveur, Gingras noted that teachers and education support staff make up more than 50 % of the CSQ's roughly 215,000 members, and it was important day to highlight their contributions to society.

Gingras said that the province is severely challenged by short-staffing in schools, due to salary levels and also issues such as class sizes and increased violence. He added that in the Outaouais region, there is also the added challenge of competing with the salaries and working conditions offered in Ontario.

The Front Commun has asked its member unions to vote on a strike mandate, and they have until October 13 to do so. Gingras said that the response within the CSQ has been overwhelmingly in favour of strike action, which could kick off in the coming weeks depending on how negotiations with the government play out.

Public sector collective agreements expired in March, and Treasury Board President Sonia Lebel has stated she hopes to arrive at a deal before the end of the year.

The full interview with Gingras is available below: