Quebec's early childhood education sector is bracing for further disruptions as employees from over 400 childcare centers (CPEs) prepare to strike again from April 14 to April 16, 2025. This latest wave of industrial action comes on the heels of ongoing strikes that have already seen 13,000 workers from the Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN) walk off the job on April 7 and 8, 2025. The strikes are primarily driven by disputes over salaries, workload, and support for children with special needs.
As parents scramble to find alternative childcare solutions, the looming possibility of a general unlimited strike adds to the uncertainty. The CSN union, which represents a significant majority of CPE workers, has indicated that if negotiations do not yield satisfactory results, the situation could escalate further.
The current strike is not an isolated incident; it is part of a broader struggle that has been ongoing since the collective agreement for CPE workers expired on April 1, 2023. Negotiations with the Quebec government began on May 3, 2024, but have yet to produce a resolution that satisfies the union's demands. On March 19, 2025, an overwhelming 91% of CSN members voted in favor of a strike mandate that could lead to an unlimited general strike if necessary.
According to the CSN, the primary issues at stake include a significant wage gap between CPE workers and their counterparts in the public sector, as well as concerns about workload and the lack of regional disparity premiums. "The wage gap that persists with comparable jobs in the public sector exacerbates the severe labor shortage facing the sector," the union stated in a recent communication.
In response, the Quebec government has proposed a 17.4% salary increase over five years, which they claim is in line with what has been accepted by other unions representing CPE educators, such as the CSQ and FTQ. However, many workers feel that this offer does not adequately address their concerns, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges they face in attracting and retaining staff.
"The network is currently struggling to attract and retain personnel, while reliance on private agencies is increasing," the CSN noted, highlighting the urgent need for improved working conditions to draw more people into the sector.
As the strike continues, parents are finding innovative ways to care for their children. Some are resorting to shared childcare arrangements with neighbors, while others are bringing their children to work. In one instance, a parent even flew in their mother from France to help look after their children during the strike.
"We do what we can, but it’s really not easy," said Gabrielle Lafontaine, a pregnant mother who is managing her three children with limited help. "I support the educators in their demands, but it’s a struggle for us too."
Patrice Lambert, another parent, echoed these sentiments, stating, "We’re lucky we can bring our kids to work, but it’s not ideal. We can’t afford to not work, and having both kids at home is impossible for one parent." He expressed his admiration for the educators, saying, "I wouldn’t want to do their job, and we’re fortunate that others are willing to make it their career. We can’t afford to lose them."
As the situation unfolds, the CSN remains firm in its stance, refusing to rule out the possibility of escalating the strike to an unlimited general strike if their demands are not met. The union is calling for better support for children with special needs, improved salaries, and respect for ratios that ensure quality care.
With more than 80% of unionized daycare centers affected by the strike, the impact is felt across the province. Parents are left to navigate the challenging landscape of childcare while supporting the educators who are advocating for their rights.
The strike is not just about wages; it reflects a deeper issue within Quebec’s early childhood education system, where the demand for quality care is at odds with the realities of staffing and funding. As the negotiations continue, both sides remain at an impasse, with no clear resolution in sight.
The situation remains fluid as the CSN prepares for the upcoming strike days, and parents brace for the impact on their daily lives. The outcome of these negotiations will not only affect the workers but also the families who rely on CPEs for childcare.
As the April 14 strike date approaches, many are left wondering: will the government take the necessary steps to address the concerns of these essential workers, or will the strike escalate into a broader conflict?
