By Michael Boriero – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Appalachian Teachers’ Association (ATA) joined several dozen union members affiliated with the Centrale des syndicats du Québec (CSQ) on Wednesday afternoon to protest the government’s lack of movement towards a new collective agreement.
“Today is a significant day because it’s been a year since our agreement has been over and you have to start the process of negotiations one year practically before the end of the contract,” said ATA President Megan Seline.
Seline told The Record that while the government is meeting with the CSQ and Quebec Provincial Association of Teachers (QPAT), negotiations are currently at an impasse. They are unwilling to budge on anything, she said, they are sticking to their list of demands.
She said unions are fed up with waiting, and with a five-day strike mandate available, they are now looking to put more pressure on the government. Seline added that she is done giving them the benefit of the doubt.
