The workers in Quebec’s family-run daycare network want the province to resolve their ongoing contract negotiations.
The 9,000 workers in Quebec’s family-run daycare network have voted to ratchet up their pressure tactics to include reduced operating hours and the possibility of a one-day strike.
The unionized workers are employed in daycares in all of the province’s 17 administrative regions and are represented by the CSQ-affiliated Fédération des intervenantes en petite enfance (FIPEQ).
The latest tactics are aimed at pressuring the government to settle ongoing negotiations for a new contract. Adopted by 95 per cent of those attending the vote, the tactics call for reduced hours in the daycares for four weeks. The first week will see hours reduced by 30 minutes, the second by an hour, the third by an hour and a half and the final week will see the daycares open two hours later than usual.
The tactics include a half-day and one full day of strike action, although these are considered by the union to be a last resort.
Union president Valérie Grenon said parents would receive 10-days notice prior to any walk-out taking place in order to allow them time to plan for care alternatives.
A negotiating session with the government is scheduled for this week. Grenon said salary issues have yet to be broached and only a few non-monetary issues have been discussed.
Employees at family-run daycares do not receive a salary as such, but rather are paid from a government fund that also finances the daycare’s operating costs.