Prime Minister François Legault speaks of an upcoming budget that is “largely in deficit” due to massive investments in the education sector granted after collective bargaining.
• Also read: Public sector: “This agreement does not inspire teachers at all”
“In the negotiations with the education network, we made the decision to significantly improve the working conditions of teachers and staff, but we have this decision.” “Massive investments in public services will have financial consequences,” François Legault said at a press conference on Sunday afternoon in Montreal.
TVA News
The Prime Minister was accompanied on the occasion by Minister of Education Bernard Drainville and President of the Ministry of Finance Sonia Lebel to announce the content of the agreements on negotiated principles in education.
A postponement of the budget balance currently planned for 2027-2028 “is not impossible,” admitted François Legault. However, there are no plans to cut public services.
“As Prime Minister, I accept this choice. “It’s a decision you have to make and it’s a responsible decision,” he said.
Proud of the agreement
François Legault, who said he was “very proud” of the agreement, mentioned that the education sector “is the best individual investment, but also collectively since… 'we can do it'.”
This week, teachers represented by the Common Front approved the agreement by 59.5%. However, according to their union, the Federation of Education Unions (FSE-CSQ), this showed “obvious dissatisfaction” among members.
The agreement in principle concluded with the Autonomous Education Federation (FAE) had been narrowly adopted two weeks earlier, while the last union called for a decision had voted in favor with 50.6%.
“Let us give this convention the chance to become a reality in the daily lives of teachers and school staff,” argued Bernard Drainville.
Progress
At the end of the collective agreement, a teacher's salary at the highest pay scale will reach $109,000. This is currently $92,000.
“We negotiated several measures that achieved three main goals: provide more stability in schools, offer more help for teachers and students and grant teachers more autonomy,” summarized Sonia Lebel.
The negotiated agreements allow for the hiring of 14,000 part-time classroom assistants and the creation of a new class composition mechanism to better support struggling teachers. Students in trouble.
The agreements also provide for the creation of 5,000 permanent positions in schools and the possibility of carrying out part of the educational days via telework.
“Without solving everything, these measures will have a positive and concrete impact,” welcomed Minister Drainville.
FSE-CSQ teachers reached an agreement in principle with Quebec on December 22 following the nine-day strike ordered by the Common Front.
For its part, the FAE, which represents around 40% of teachers in the province, reached a proposed solution on December 27 after more than 20 days of indefinite general strikes.