All AWF unions vote for indefinite strike
(Montreal) All unions in the Fédération autonome de l'enseignement (FAE), an independent grouping of teachers' unions, have now voted in favour of an indefinite general strike mandate.
The AWF brings together nine unions representing 65,500 elementary and secondary school teachers, including large unions such as the Alliance des professeurs de Montréal and the Syndicat de l'enseignement de la région de Québec.
Votes in favor of the indefinite strike are "above 90% in the vast majority" of the nine unions, said in an interview Mélanie Hubert, president of the union federation. The last meeting was held on Tuesday evening.
Different from the common frontThe AWF is not part of the common front; it is a separate band for the current negotiation of collective
agreements vis-à-vis the Government of Quebec.
Also, the mandate for an unlimited general strike that was requested by the members of the AWF does not provide for a first stage, such as strike days or blocks of strike days, unlike the mandate requested by the four trade union organizations that form the common front.
Mélanie Hubert
"There will be no piecemeal strike, day strike or block strike of any kind. The moment of call will be an indefinite general strike directly. For the members, it was logical to say: this is the ultimate way and if we get there, it will be serious. Members are committed to improving their working conditions. There was no intention this time to go with mixed measures. They told us: we will go out for good if we go out, "saidMs. Hubert.
The AWF has not yet decided when it will exercise its strike mandate. The matter will be discussed pending shortly.
Asked if the AWF could coordinate its strike with a possible walkout of the common front — which is currently consulting its members until mid-October — Ms. Hubert replied that there was "no idea at this moment to consult, but there is also no idea of distinguishing oneself at all costs" from the common front. Both the common front and the AWF decide on their own strategy, according
to the interests of their members, she explained.
Boycott already startedThe AWF has already started some pressure tactics such as boycotting meetings with management, boycotting certain formations. His job action also involves extracurricular activities.
"At the moment, the organization of student activities, if it is not already planned in our task, the teachers have chosen not to add to it by organizing in addition to student activities on the arm, if I may say so," reportsMs. Hubert.
"In many circles, since the beginning of the school year, there have been outings in cultural circles or sports tournaments or trips... It's kind of the kind of activity that teachers have decided not to organize," she added.
In addition to those in Montreal and Quebec City, the seven other unions of the FAE are the Syndicat de l'enseignement de l'Ouest de Montréal, the Syndicat de l'enseignement de la Pointe-de-l'île, those of the Laval region, the Lower Laurentians,
the Seigneuries, the Outaouais, and Haute-Yamaska.
The AWF brings together nine unions representing 65,500 elementary and secondary school teachers, including large unions such as the Alliance des professeurs de Montréal and the Syndicat de l'enseignement de la région de Québec.
Votes in favor of the indefinite strike are "above 90% in the vast majority" of the nine unions, said in an interview Mélanie Hubert, president of the union federation. The last meeting was held on Tuesday evening.
Different from the common frontThe AWF is not part of the common front; it is a separate band for the current negotiation of collective
agreements vis-à-vis the Government of Quebec.
Also, the mandate for an unlimited general strike that was requested by the members of the AWF does not provide for a first stage, such as strike days or blocks of strike days, unlike the mandate requested by the four trade union organizations that form the common front.
Mélanie Hubert
"There will be no piecemeal strike, day strike or block strike of any kind. The moment of call will be an indefinite general strike directly. For the members, it was logical to say: this is the ultimate way and if we get there, it will be serious. Members are committed to improving their working conditions. There was no intention this time to go with mixed measures. They told us: we will go out for good if we go out, "saidMs. Hubert.
The AWF has not yet decided when it will exercise its strike mandate. The matter will be discussed pending shortly.
Asked if the AWF could coordinate its strike with a possible walkout of the common front — which is currently consulting its members until mid-October — Ms. Hubert replied that there was "no idea at this moment to consult, but there is also no idea of distinguishing oneself at all costs" from the common front. Both the common front and the AWF decide on their own strategy, according
to the interests of their members, she explained.
Boycott already startedThe AWF has already started some pressure tactics such as boycotting meetings with management, boycotting certain formations. His job action also involves extracurricular activities.
"At the moment, the organization of student activities, if it is not already planned in our task, the teachers have chosen not to add to it by organizing in addition to student activities on the arm, if I may say so," reportsMs. Hubert.
"In many circles, since the beginning of the school year, there have been outings in cultural circles or sports tournaments or trips... It's kind of the kind of activity that teachers have decided not to organize," she added.
In addition to those in Montreal and Quebec City, the seven other unions of the FAE are the Syndicat de l'enseignement de l'Ouest de Montréal, the Syndicat de l'enseignement de la Pointe-de-l'île, those of the Laval region, the Lower Laurentians,
the Seigneuries, the Outaouais, and Haute-Yamaska.
