Quebec government defends 'historic offers' to daycare workers as strikes continue
A third union organization is planning an unlimited strike starting Thursday in Quebec public daycares.
The FTQ-affiliated Syndicat québécois des employés de service is now also planning an unlimited strike on Thursday, along with the CSQ-affiliated Fédération des intervenantes en petite enfance (FIPEQ), if no agreement is reached by then.
As of Thursday, the three union organizations that represent workers in the Early Childhood Centres (CPEs) would then be on unlimited strike, since members of the CSN-affiliated Fédération de la santé et des services sociaux (FSSS) have been on strike since last Wednesday.
‘HISTORIC’ OFFERS
In an interview on 98.5 FM, Treasury Board President Sonia LeBel said she found it "unbelievable" that the CSN-affiliated FSSS is continuing its indefinite strike after Quebec tabled its "historic offers."
The minister claims she offered an increase of 18-20 per cent over three years for educators and 11 per cent for support staff in CPEs.
She argues her offer means $30 per hour -- the maximum on the scale -- for educators.
UNIONS NOT ALL THE SAME
LeBel said she believes the CSQ and FTQ demands were more reasonable than those of the CSN, which are “through the roof.”
"Apart from the CSN, we are on the same dance floor with the others," she stated. "The CSN maintains its demand to have similar increases for support staff in the CPEs, which is not the case for the other two union organizations."
When contacted after LeBel's statements, the CSN denied having the same demands for support staff as for educators and denied that it is asking for 18 to 20 per cent increases over three years for them, but would not say exactly how much it is asking for.
NO SPECIAL LEGISLATION
LeBel again ruled out the idea of introducing special legislation to end the indefinite strike, calling it an "absolute last resort."
She said she still believes an agreement with the unions is possible, even after months of negotiation. In fact, as recently as Monday, the FIPEQ and the FSSS were at the negotiating table with government representatives. The SQEES will negotiate again on Wednesday.
"I can't believe we won't get there," she noted, dismissing the idea that Premier François Legault may meddle in the file, as requested Sunday by the opposition parties and the union group at a joint press conference.
LeBel claimed he is already aware of the issues because she regularly keeps him updated.
-- This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Dec. 6, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.