Public Service Strike Continues

What does this mean for the Pontiac?

Over 500,000 public-sector workers in Quebec are on strike, asking for fair pay and better work conditions in education, health care, and social services.

Who is on strike? 

• The Common Front, the largest group, has around 420,000 workers.
• Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé (FIQ) represents about 80,000 nurses.
• Fédération autonome de l’enseignement (FAE) represents 66,000 teachers.

How much longer will this last? 

• Strikes have been going on for weeks and escalated since November.
• FAE teachers have been on an open-ended strike since Nov. 23.

What are the Unions demanding? 

• Unions want better pay and working conditions.
• Teachers (FAE) want smaller classes and flexibility for professional development.
• Nurses and health care professionals (FIQ) want higher pay, better schedules, and improved conditions.

How is the Government resonding?  

• Quebec offers a 12.7% pay raise over five years tied to predicted inflation.
• Unions say no, citing high inflation in 2023 and the need for extra raises.

Impact on Daily Life

• Strikes disrupt daily life, leading to school closures and healthcare delays.
• Parents struggle to find childcare, affecting work and routines.

What about health care? 

• Surgeries, blood draws, and services in long-term care homes are delayed.
• Over 30,000 people in Quebec have been waiting for surgery for more than a year.

Are they still negotiating? 

• Union leaders want to talk but are stuck in talks with the government.
• Negotiations increase, but details are kept private.

How much longer? 

• It’s hard to know when the strikes will end or if they’ll continue into 2024.
• Talks and strikes continue, with both sides keeping details private.