School strikes on Monday and Tuesday

Teachers protest outside LaSalle Comprehensive High School on Monday Nov. 16, 2015 (CTV Montreal/JL Boulch)

Rotating strikes continue among public sector workers this week.

On Monday and Tuesday schools in Montreal and Laval will be closed.

Teachers with the Lester B. Pearson, English Montreal and the Commission Scolaire de Montreal boards are on strike, as are the Sir Wilfrid Laurier school board.

The strike also affects hospitals and clinics, although essential services are being offered.

Teachers held protests outside their schools early Monday morning, and some held protests outside school board offices.

A large rally of public sector workers took place at Metropolis on Ste. Catherine St. at noon.

"We're defending public education for your kids," said Richard Goldfinch.

Employees of several school boards have also voted to join in a three-day general strike of public sector workers on December 1, 2, and 3 if there is no progress in contract talks before that date.

Among other issues, public service workers are asking for a 13.5 percent raise over three years. The government has offered a three percent raise over five years.

"If you want to attract people and retain them in the profession, you have to start paying us what we're worth, and we are the lowest paid in Canada," said Goldfinch.

Search for childcare

To cope with the multiple days of no school -- and no school-provided care -- many parents are relying on extended family.

Others sent their children to day camps.

Montreal's Chess and Math Association is charging $60/day for a different kind of learning experience.

Martine Lemaire said the Chess Association, which is already active in schools during lunch hours and for after-school programs, reached out to parents earlier in the school year to offer its services.

"They know their kids are going to be learning something, and they're going to have fun," said Martine Lemaire.

She said it made sense to cover strike days, since the Association already offers day camps during spring break and in the summer.

"It's getting very popular," said Lemaire.