Striking daycare workers must provide services three days a week: Tribunal

A new law introduced by Quebec Labour Minister Jean Boulet has just had its first practical effect.

A public daycare where workers have been on an indefinite strike since Oct. 22 will now be required to provide “services to ensure the well-being of the public” on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

This comes after the Administrative Labour Tribunal issued its ruling on the matter, ratifying the agreement reached between the employer, the CPE Le Jardin de Robi daycare in Roberval, Que., and the workers’ union affiliated with the Fédération de la santé et des services sociaux, part of the Confédération des syndicats nationaux (FSSS-CSN).

The tribunal ruled that services must be provided at the daycare from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, with no service on Mondays and Tuesdays.

The provincial law officially came into effect on Nov. 30, aiming to mitigate the impact of a strike or lockout by establishing criteria for “services to ensure the well-being of the population.”

That means disruptions must not lead to “the social or economic security of the population from being disproportionately affected.”

Previously, the system only provided for “essential services,” which were based on public health and safety.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on March 27, 2026.