Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Early childhood educators affiliated with the Fédération de la Santé et des Services Sociaux (FSSS-CSN) demonstrated in Huntingdon on April 4, having extended what was to have been a three-day strike for an additional two days this week.

Sylvie Brunet, the union representative at the Kaleidoscope CPE in Hinchinbrooke, says that while the government is offering a 17.4 per cent salary increase and bonuses for those working in the regions, “Everything is a bit exaggerated.”

“You have to read the small print,” Brunet explains, noting the current offer includes several concessions for CPE workers in terms of holidays, and remuneration for work done when children are not present. “Instead of encouraging our young people to study in this field, with better conditions because it is still the least paid of all diplomas, they are going to force us to work more hours,” she laments.

Treasury Board president Sonia LeBel reiterated last week that the contract terms on the table are “generous and fair,” while noting the CSQ and FTQ unions have already accepted the government’s offer.

Brunet says negotiations were scheduled to take place on April 4, and that union negotiators were prepared to continue if there were signs of progress. She admitted however that the two sides remained far apart on key issues such as respectable salaries, reasonable workloads, and more support for children with special needs.

Brunet confirms that if a deal is not reached by April 8, the next step for CPE workers will be an unlimited walkout.