Educators from early childhood centers (CPEs) across Quebec are taking a stand as ongoing negotiations with the government show little promise of resolution. On March 18 and 19, 2025, around 300 educators from CSN-affiliated CPEs in Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine and hundreds more from across the province participated in strike actions to express their growing discontent.
The strike commenced as a response to prolonged negotiations that have failed to meet the most fundamental demands of the educators, which center on working conditions and compensation. As per the CSN (Confédération des syndicats nationaux), these workers are seeking a lighter workload, better remuneration, and regional disparity premiums to assist employees in remote areas.
Serge Saint-Pierre, president of the CSN Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine, remarked, “We realize that at the negotiating table, even though there have been discussions since Friday, nothing justifies a return to work. The minimum demands of the workers have not been met.” This statement encapsulates the frustration felt among educators who believe their voices have not been adequately heard by the government.
In light of continued frustrations, these educators convened on March 19 for a general assembly where they discussed adopting a new strike mandate that could escalate to an indefinite general strike if necessary. This gathering was a crucial moment for educators who have already dropped their children in other caretakers’ hands and made personal sacrifices to advocate for better working conditions.
Reports indicate that educators earn an average of $29 per hour, a figure that stands in stark contrast to their increasing workload and the rising demand for quality early childhood education. The issue is not just about pay; it’s about ensuring the industry can attract and retain dedicated professionals.
Katie Leblanc, vice-president of the Syndicat des travailleuses et travailleurs du CPE de la Baie in Maria, remarked, “Our first three days of strike were not enough to get the government’s attention. Thus, we will raise our voices further with a new strike mandate.” She expressed optimism that each action taken by the educators is pushing the negotiations forward, stating, “Every time we are in action, it advances the table of negotiation.”
The ongoing crisis in early childhood centers is not isolated to Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine. In Montérégie, hundreds of workers held demonstrations to push for similar demands. Members of the CSN have mobilized in areas like Longueuil, where they demonstrated with signs and music, raising awareness about the challenges faced in the sector.
On March 18, during these demonstrations, workers highlighted the urgency of resolving ongoing staffing shortages that impede quality care for children. They passionately decried the situation stating, “The government cannot afford to let conditions degrade in CPEs. We cannot allow ourselves to continue having such difficulty in hiring and keeping our people in CPEs.”
In a statement made by Lucie Longchamp, vice president in charge of private sectors at FSSS-CSN, she emphasized that the government has additional funds available, calling for a greater investment in the workforce to ensure sustainable practices within the sector: “This investment must serve to enhance working and salary conditions for CPE workers.”
The backdrop to these protests reveals that the CSN represents over 80% of unionized workers in CPEs, signifying substantial collective power. The strike actions are not limited to specific regions; they span across more than 400 centers throughout Quebec, making the movement significant and widespread.
Workers have expressed their priorities clearly: a need for better ratios of educators to children, additional support for children with special needs, and meaningful measures that would genuinely enhance the quality of the services provided. The educators stress that parents are relying heavily on their professionalism and commitment, and any deterioration in working conditions could adversely impact the most vulnerable populations—children.
As these negotiations draw on, the government appears to be taking note of the unrest. The President of the Treasury Board, Sonia LeBel, affirmed that negotiations intensified over the weekend and hinted at the possibility of a prompt agreement. During her remarks, she conveyed, “We are ready to settle quickly, but the government must put more on the table.”
With strong sentiments echoing from every corner of the sector, it is clear that educators are determined to secure a better future for themselves and the children they serve. As they prepare for potential escalation, the solidarity among the educators remains a crucial driving force in their quest for improved conditions.
The stakes are high as the future of early childhood education hangs in the balance. Parents eagerly await the outcome, hoping for a resolution that not only secures better conditions for educators but ultimately guarantees a nurturing environment for their children. How the government responds in the coming days could very well shape the course of early childhood education in Quebec for years to come.
