Teachers’ unions announce second strike on April 27

The Fédération des syndicats de l’enseignement (FSE-CSQ) and the Quebec Provincial Association of Teachers (APEQ-QPAT) announced a second strike plan for Tuesday, April 27. The unions will use the same tactic as the previous strike, disrupting only part of the school day, this time from 2:45 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The strike targets all education sectors from pre-school, primary, secondary, to vocational and general adult education, and is intended to disrupt school administration while minimizing the impact on educational services.

“Since the first strike was announced work has progressed at the tables but what’s there is still not enough to meet the priority demands of the teachers we represent. We believe that, with the necessary political will, we could move towards an agreement that would attract teachers to our profession, but also retain them,” commented Josée Scalabrini, FSE-CSQ president in a press release.

“While the government has come a long way, more needs to be done because our teaching profession is in crisis,” added Heidi Yetman, APEQ-QPAT president. “Teachers are exhausted and want proper recognition for their work as well as changes that will significantly improve their day-to-day.” When we value education, we take care of those who work in that field every day,” explained the APEQ-QPAT president. “The government wanted to negotiate despite the pandemic and now it hears us.”

Teachers in Quebec have been working without a contract for more than a year. They are calling for significant improvements in their day-to-day, notably through a lighter workload, better class compositions, added services, better salaries and less uncertainty.