LETTER

LETTRE

------    Open letter to the Premier, Mme. Lebel, M. Lacombe:  A parent supports daycare workers

 

As a resident of the Pontiac riding, impacted by the employees of my son's garderie who are currently striking,  I write in support  of them and their union's demands. 
     I am disgusted that back-to-work legislation was threatened before the strike. The union (FSSS-CSN) has not even declared their intention to strike so It is LOW to threaten  the primarily women workers who care for our children (so we can go to work) who are standing up for what they deserve.
It is unbecoming to suggest that these workers do not respect the plight of parents when they see us every  day and care for our children as though they are their own while we work. If you think you can turn parents against the educatrices, the cooks, the admin, the cleaners, who kept our babies safe during the first 1.5 years of the pandemic, before they were vaccinated, you are wrong. Yes, it will be difficult for many parents, my own family included, but to suggest that they are taking parents "hostage"...  I can only say "nice try".  You disrespecting the value of their work and contributions to our society; I view the CAQ as the guilty party here. 
    Mme Lebel stated that the CAQ has done more than any other government in twenty years, well good. Keep it up! Let that be your legacy: the government that finally respected the work of women in caring for future generations, who risked their own health and that of their family's to care for our children ...  even prior to the pandemic. 
    I hope you reach a timely resolution and that you reflect upon how poorly back-to-work legislation will reflect upon your government. I am sure the workers would carry on, even devalued and disrespected by you.  Please recognize the importance of CPEs and of being Canada's example of a successful public childcare system. That would be something to be proud of. 
PS: Now that both unions have voted over 90% in favour of striking, I imagine the Bulletin will be covering this more closely as it affects so many parents in Aylmer, and of course the workers.
Amy Rivier
Gatineau / Aylmer