Canada: Public sector workers to strike in Quebec on Nov. 6

Unionized public sector workers affiliated with the Common Front of Unions (the Front Commun), a group of several unions, will strike in Quebec on Nov. 6 after rejecting a pay offer from the government. The Common Front of Unions represents approximately 420,000 people. Union leaders have stated that the labor action will disrupt health and social services, elementary and secondary schools, school bus services, and publicly funded colleges. They have noted that due to essential service rules, healthcare services will operate at 80 percent capacity. Nurses will not participate in the labor action. Teachers will strike from 00:01-10:30 impacting school start times and daycare services during the morning hours. The labor action is not expected to affect Crown utility providers such as Hydro-Quebec.

Unless averted, the labor action will likely impact public services through Nov. 6. The morning disruptions to school and daycare services will likely prompt business disruptions due to increased absenteeism by workers who take children to school or rely on school bus services and/or before school care. While organizers have not announced any demonstrations, protests are possible in major cities across the province. Likely gathering sites include in front of the Quebec Treasury Board and other government buildings and major thoroughfares.