Quebec public workers plan strike days in November: what to expect

Quebec public sector workers in health, social services and education are planning strike days in November if the provincial government’s latest offer, expected Sunday, isn’t accepted.

“Our people are tired, they’re mad and for sure they will fight,” said François Enault in an interview with CityNews. Enault is the vice president of the CSN, which is part of the Common Front.

On Nov. 6, all unions that fall under the Common Front – which represents some 420, 000 public sector workers — will be on strike.

For elementary and secondary schools, the strike will last until 10:30 a.m., which means schools will start late that day – with no in-school child care. Each school can also decide to close for the whole day.

The strike will also affects CEGEPS. They will be closed until 12 p.m. on Nov. 6.

Health-care workers will also be on strike — for 24 hours that day. Essential services will be maintained but the workforce will be reduced by around 20 per cent.

“Everybody will have services and for all emergencies. We’ll be there, but the normal appointments will be a bit slower,” Enault explained.

The FIQ – Quebec’s largest nurses union – voted to be on strike all day Nov. 8 and 9  – essential services will also be maintained those days but things won’t be running at full speed.

The Fédération autonome de l’enseignement – a union that doesn’t fall under the Common Front — also voted in favour of a strike but a date hasn’t been set yet.

More disruptions are expected if negotiations don’t advance. Ninety-five per cent of Common Front members voted for a general strike but must do two short strikes before that.  There could be another short strike for their members in November as well.

“It’s the beginning. I hope the government will understand and will have something nice on the table and we can find a good collective agreement for everybody,” said Enault.

If an unlimited general strike would occur, schools would be closed but essential services in health care would be maintained.

“I think the population wants to have good services. I think they’re behind us. Our goal isn’t to have a strike. It’s to have a good collection agreement for our members” Enault added.

Workers are asking for better pay and working conditions. Enault says negotiations have been a standstill after a year and 50 meetings.

“We signed nothing. We have an agreement on nothing. So after one year I think we’re really nice and kind people,” he added.

Enault says the average salary for Common Front members is $44,000 a year, which he says is not enough for the cost of living – with some needing to turn to food banks.

“Our salaries are 11 per cent less than all other people in Quebec. Our people have no money and they’re leaving the public sector to go to the private sector to have more money.”

During the strike day on Nov. 6, workers will be demonstrating in front of public schools, CEGEPS, and health centres across Quebec.

“We ask the population to come and see us on the picket line.”