The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) is calling on the government of Quebec to reverse its decision to suspend the collective bargaining agreements for teachers in the province.
Teachers were notified by email that agreements were no longer considered binding, and that their assignments, schedules and workplaces could be modified at any time in order to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Now is the time when we need to be working together to contain this pandemic,” said CAUT Executive Director David Robinson. “Teachers at all levels of the education system in Quebec and the rest of Canada are eager to work with governments and employers to help us through these challenging times. We need collaboration and cooperation, not draconian measures like this that are counterproductive, disrespectful, and excessive.”
Robinson is urging all governments and educational institutions to consult with teachers to find mutually acceptable and effective ways to help students and parents through the current pandemic.