Quebec schools are back in session
350,000 students will be able to return to classrooms.
The Quebec teachers' union (FAE) has signed an agreement with the provincial government. This means that the 66,000 education employees who have been on indefinite strike since November 23 are returning to work in schools.
On Thursday, Dec. 28, it was reported that the provincial treasury had made the FAE an attractive offer, but it was not clear whether the union would accept it. The Fédération autonome de l'enseignement has taken the toughest stance of any union representing public employees negotiating new contracts with the government.
The FAE represents 40% of all teachers in Quebec, and their strike resulted in the closure of 800 schools. For over a month, 368,000 students did not attend classes.
Details of the agreement have not yet been released. The negotiating committee spent the day analyzing the tentative agreement the province presented Wednesday and will recommend it to its members for approval.
"The ultimate step is to present it to the 66,500 members of the FAE, who have shown exemplary courage and determination in recent weeks," said Melanie Hubert, union president.
Treasury Board Chair Sonia LeBel and Education Minister Bernard Drainville have confirmed that the deal covers wages and working conditions. Union delegates have already voted to end the strike.
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