CPES face two-day walkout this week

Although talks have resumed with the Ministry of the Family and employers' associations following the first of six strike days on October 30, the workers at early childcare centres will be walking out again Tuesday and Wednesday, November 7 - 8.

In fact, the union says there is no reason at this time to expect that a satisfactory conclusion can come quickly, especially since last week's blocking issues still have to be addressed.

"The only way to avoid this strike for parents and their children is that a satisfactory agreement is reached by November 7," says Louise Labrie, spokesperson for the National Committee of negotiations for health and social services (FSSS-CSN). “It's been over two and a half years that we’ve had no collective agreement. It's time for it to be finally settled."

Aware of the inconvenience that such a situation may cause, the national negotiating committee is advising parents who use educational services to find an alternative during the two-day strike.

Approximately 11,000 unionized workers in more than 400 CPES are grouped into 37 unions affiliated to the FSSS-CSN, which makes it the largest union organization in child care in Quebec.

For its part, the CSN brings together more than 300,000 workers gathered on a sectoral or professional basis in eight federations and thirteen regional central councils.