The agreement in principle which was reached between Quebec and the Federation of early childhood workers (FIPEQ), affiliated with the CSQ, has just been accepted by the members, in a proportion of 66%.
FIPEQ is the union organization that represents the largest number of workers in CPEs, after the Federation of Health and Social Services, affiliated with the CSN, i.e. 3,000 of them.
“This is a step in the right direction; It’s a good understanding. It is certain that no agreement is perfect. We would have liked to achieve all our goals. On the other hand, we are laying the foundations for the future. And we hope that these first stones can inspire us in the coming years,” commented the president of FIPEQ, Anne-Marie Bellerose, in an interview.
The president of the Treasury Board, Sonia LeBel, was also delighted with the acceptance of the agreement in principle by the members. “It is good news that the agreement with the FIPEQ-CSQ has been accepted. It will promote better access for Quebec families and will improve the attraction/retention of educators,” she commented.
The content
These workers in CPEs obtained, in some cases, more than the increases of 17.4% over five years which were granted to state employees.
“We even had more, for certain job categories. Yes, we have reached, and even exceeded, 17.4% over five years, assured Ms. Bellerose. Qualified educators and specialized educators are the most advantaged in this regard.
For example, before this agreement with FIPEQ, a qualified educator earned $21.60 per hour at the first level. On April 1, 2025, when the agreement is signed, she will receive $25.15 per hour. The first level therefore benefits from an additional boost to the other levels which are also adjusted, with the aim of attracting candidates to the profession.
As for the workload, which was another priority in this negotiation, Ms. Bellerose reports having obtained an increase in the number of teaching hours.
Regarding support for children with special needs, a pilot project will be implemented, similar to what was agreed in the school environment with class assistance, with the aim of supporting the teacher in his tasks. .
Likewise, workers who want to do more will have easier access to overtime, notes Ms. Bellerose. Quebec actually wanted to obtain more flexibility in the organization of work, in order to increase services to families.
The sequel
The file on the negotiation of collective agreements for the FIPEQ is not closed, however, since under the rules governing negotiation in Early Childhood Centers, a negotiation of local clauses must now be held.
The federation affiliated with the CSN, for its part, has still not managed to reach an agreement in principle with Quebec, unlike the FIPEQ and two large unions affiliated with the FTQ — the Syndicat québécois des emploi(e)s de service and the Steelworkers Union. She announced the holding of her first day of strike in 400 CPEs on January 23. Negotiations are still ongoing.
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