Strike day November 6: school boards notify parents of plans

Strike day November 6: school boards notify parents of plans

With a possible public sector strike day looming on November 6, the region’s school boards are notifying parents of their plans if the strike is not averted.

The Centre de services scolaire des Hauts-Bois-de-l’Outaouais (CSSHBO) has confirmed that it has received strike notices from support staff unions, professionals and teacher for this day. “Currently, various scenarios are being evaluated regarding the maintenance or suspension of our services in the event of a strike. We will quickly keep you informed of the terms and conditions,” the CSSHBO indicated to parents and guardians (translated).

Western Quebec School Board Director General George Singfield issued a statement on October 27 advising parents that they would be cancelling all classes, transportation and daycare services on November 6.

The Front Commun, a coalition of public sector unions with 420,000 members, have received a mandate from their membership that is overwhelmingly in favour of a strike. On Sunday, they called the latest offer from the government “an insult”, as it would have increased base salaries by 10.3% over five years, an increase of 1.3% from the previous offer.

“Meanwhile, the government chose to give MNAs 30% as a catchup pay increase, providing them with real gains, along with other yearly increases,” the statement notes. “SQ police officers were offered 21%. The agreement to be reached with the Front commun will have to that into account.”