Agreement in principle for CPEs approved by union members

Unionized daycares (CPE) in Quebec continue to negotiate with Quebec. (Darryl Dyck / The Canadian Press)

The agreement in principle between Quebec and the Centrale des syndicats du Québec (CSQ) affiliated Fédération des intervenantes en petite enfance (FIPEQ) has been approved by 66 per cent of its members.

The FIPEQ represents the largest number of childcare workers, after the Fédération de la santé et des services sociaux (FSSS-CSN), with 3,000 members.

The agreement in principle was reached just before Christmas after a series of brief strike periods.

Although support for the agreement in principle was lukewarm, FIPEQ President Anne-Marie Bellerose said it contained “notable improvements” to working conditions, which is crucial as Quebec seeks to attract and retain candidates for childcare services.

Negotiations are not yet over, though, as local clauses must now be discussed.

“After decades of feeling neglected, FIPEQ-CSQ-affiliated childcare workers are timidly approving the agreement in principle negotiated with the government,” said Bellerose. “The early childhood network is having difficulty, and improving conditions for workers is essential to support this Quebec treasure for parents and children.”

-- This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Jan. 15, 2024.