CPE: FSSS unions to meet to take stock of negotiations
Posted April 17, 2025 9:16 pm.
After 13 days of strikes, the unions of the Health and Social Services Federation (FSSS) representing workers in 400 early childhood centers (CPEs) will meet next week to take stock of the negotiations.
The FSSS made the announcement in a message to its members on Thursday, following another day of negotiations held the day before—on the 13th day of the strike.
“We have decided to meet with the unions next week to present them with a full picture of the negotiations and to jointly determine the actions to be taken to conclude these negotiations,” said the union federation, which is affiliated with the CSN.
The FSSS already holds a mandate for an indefinite strike. So far, it has opted for either single-day walkouts or multi-day strike blocks.
All other union organizations participating in this national negotiation have already reached and ratified agreements with the Quebec government several months ago. Those unions are affiliated with the CSQ and the FTQ.
“Let’s not kid ourselves: these negotiations are difficult, and mobilization is crucial for getting the government to do more. Let’s remember that we still have a mandate for an unlimited general strike, and we haven’t ruled out exercising it if that’s what it takes to reach an agreement in principle,” the FSSS said.
After several months at the bargaining table, the dispute now centers solely on salary conditions.
Quebec is sticking to the negotiating framework established with the three other union organizations that represent childcare center workers—as well as with all government employees—offering a 17.4 percent salary increase over five years.
The FSSS, however, is pushing for more.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
