In a significant development, the Fédération autonome de l’enseignement (FAE), representing 40% of Quebec’s teachers, has reached a groundbreaking agreement in principle with the provincial government. The union, which embarked on an unlimited strike on November 23, closing approximately 800 schools and affecting 368,000 students, announced the decision to end the strike after union delegates voted in favor of the accord.
The FAE, known for adopting the most stringent stance among public sector unions, spent the day scrutinizing the tentative deal presented by the government on Wednesday. Mélanie Hubert, President of the FAE, emphasized the pivotal role of the union members in determining the fate of the agreement: “It is up to the teachers to respond to the government of François Legault and to say whether they feel heard.”
While the details of the agreement remain undisclosed, the FAE plans to present the deal to its 66,500 members for approval during general assemblies following the holiday break. The union expressed optimism about the resolution, calling it a “new step” and highlighting the importance of teacher feedback.
This development comes amidst broader negotiations with public sector unions, excluding the FAE, representing 420,000 employees, including teachers and healthcare workers. The tentative deals on salaries and working conditions were confirmed by Treasury Board Chair Sonia LeBel and Education Minister Bernard Drainville. Notably, a nurses union with about 80,000 members, the Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec, remains in ongoing negotiations.
Sylvain Martel, spokesperson for the parents’ group Regroupement des comités de parents autonomes du Québec, expressed cautious optimism regarding the reopening of 800 schools after the holiday break. Acknowledging the challenges faced by students during the prolonged strike, Martel emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between teachers, parents, and administrators to facilitate a smooth return to academic routines.
As the FAE strike concludes, discussions are underway to address the learning gaps created during the nearly seven-week hiatus. The diverse impact on students, ranging from home-based learning to limited educational opportunities for some, necessitates flexible approaches for students to readjust to their academic routines.