Strikes Across Quebec Mark Critical Push for CPE Workers.
Approximately 13,000 affiliated CPE workers demand better wages and conditions.
In a notable movement for early childhood education workers, approximately 13,000 workers from the Centres de la petite enfance (CPE) affiliated with the Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN) took to the streets on March 18 and 19, 2025, for their fourth and fifth days of national strikes across Quebec. These demonstrations aimed to exert additional pressure on the government regarding negotiations for improved wages and working conditions.
On March 18, the workers protested in the streets of Rimouski and paid a visit to local Member of the National Assembly (MNA), Maïté Blanchette Vézina, seeking her support in their ongoing fight. They were also slated to gather on March 19 for a general assembly to vote on a new strike mandate that could lead to an unlimited general strike if necessary.
From the outset, the CSN, representing 80% of the unionized CPEs, has pressed for a new strike mandate as a strategic move to elevate the government negotiations regarding the CPE workforce. According to Nancy Bourque, president of the Syndicat des employées des Centres de la petite enfance de la MRC de Rivière-du-Loup (CSN), "Our first three days of strike were not sufficient to make the government listen to our pleas. The workers of the CPE region will raise the tone with a new strike mandate. Every time we take action, it moves forward at the negotiation table. We continue to make ourselves heard for the future of the CPEs.”
The workforce's concerns are centered on pressing issues, with the 13,000 CPE workers proposing a variety of measures to improve labor conditions. They are seeking to combat the ongoing labor shortage that has been adversely affecting the sector. This includes a demand for a lighter workload, better remuneration to attract and retain staff, as well as regional disparity bonuses for remote areas, and measures to enhance the quality of services offered to children, such as ensuring appropriate ratios between educators and children.
Tommy Lizotte, president of the Conseil central du Bas-Saint-Laurent, emphasized that rather than attempting to restrict the right to strike through proposed legislation (Bill 89), the government should treat the CPE network with respect and address the root causes of the workforce crisis. He commented, "Instead of aiming to restrict the right to strike with its Bill 89, the government should stop treating the CPE network as a second-tier system. The government is responsible for the feeling of contempt that CPE workers are experiencing. It should cease its anti-union attacks and take the necessary steps to curb the shortage in the CPEs.”
The strikes are having a notable impact across various regions, as the CSN operates in more than 400 CPEs throughout Quebec. As the pressure mounts on the government to respond to the demands of CPE workers, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the upcoming days and weeks.
In summary, the strike actions taken by these dedicated professionals reflect their commitment to improving not only their working conditions but also the quality of education and care provided to Quebec's children.
