“Negotiations not moving forward”: last hope before indefinite strike by teaching staff

Members of the Federation of Autonomous Teachers (FAE) gathered in front of Prime Minister François Legault’s office in Montreal on Monday morning to officially file an indefinite strike notice during the day as a last resort.

• Read more: Teachers in Montreal, Quebec and Gatineau on indefinite general strike starting November 23

In an interview with TVA Nouvelles on Monday, Mélanie Hubert, president of the FAE, lamented, “Time is running out and there is an urgent need to act in education.

This is a last-ditch effort before the indefinite general strike begins on November 23, as a notice must be filed at least “seven clear working days prior to the determined date,” the federation said in a press release.

“We are confident that our negotiating team will be available 7 days a week,” the president continued. 65,000 teachers will take to the streets next week to express their anger, but also their determination to make sure education works well in Quebec.

According to the federation, Quebec teachers earn less than the Canadian average, taking 13 years to reach the top of the salary scale, compared to 10 years in other Canadian provinces.

“In front of Prime Minister Legault’s offices, we are here to remind him of his election promise: education must be a priority,” Ms. Hubert underlined.

A few meetings failed last week.

“The talks are not progressing. We are faced with a boss who does not want to lead like a 21st century boss. In an environment of scarcity we are in the concept of control. Those in place are asked to do less. We are not in the logic of assessment to keep them employed,” lamented the chairman of FAE.

“We have 10 days left to conclude an agreement,” the FAE president said.

According to him, it is unlikely that the parties will reach an agreement by November 23, as negotiations are difficult.

“A deal is possible, but time is running out,” he said.

“In recent days we’ve talked a lot about salaries, but we’re also talking about working conditions in the classroom, we’re talking about the services provided to students.”

Minister Sonia Lebel’s office confirms that solutions are on the table, particularly adding 15,000 teaching assistants to primary classes, establishing pilot programs in secondary schools to reduce workloads and improve the quality of education services. Creating several thousand full-time permanent positions for teachers early in their careers.