Montreal Association of School Principals protest in front of Quebec Education

The Montreal Association of School Principals (AMDES) demonstrated outside of the Quebec Education ministry’s Montreal offices on Friday morning – calling on the government to improve working conditions – and to come back to the negotiating table for the renewal of their collective agreement.

AMDES members voted 85 per cent in favour of holding the demonstration.

“We want Minister Drainvile to stand up for education,” said Kathleen Legault, president of (AMDES). “We’re asking him, Bernard, stand up. We’re counting on you, get back to the table and negotiate.”

The Association says the Quebec government adopted a decree on their salary scales last week — virtually ending negotiations.

They want to see better working conditions.

“It’s really difficult to get new vice-principals,” said Legault. “They don’t want to come. The wages aren’t high and the work is too hard. They work 50-55 hours a week with no recognition. They say it’s over. We want better working conditions.”

The union represents nearly 700 school managers in the French sector in Montreal and they’ve been without a collective agreement since March 2023.

“What’s going on is unfair,” said Legault. “We never manifested before. It’s the first time we walk out of school. People say it’s enough. They’re asking for respect. We’re asking for respect.”

CityNews reached out to the Education Ministry but did not hear back yet.