EC Montreal Language School Union Certified, Turns to Negotiation

The teachers at EC Montreal Language school are members of The General Union, a new trade union at the heart of a movement disrupting status quo labour organizing.

Montreal, QC Aug 12 2024: The General Union is excited to announce that the employees of EC Montreal have received certification with the Tribunal administratif du travail, and are preparing to negotiate a new deal. Their pursuit of a living wage, better and more regular work schedules, and smaller class sizes, are among a wide range of goals, as is the development of a productive and cooperative relationship with the school’s management.

Along with fighting the ongoing cost of living crisis in Quebec, these aims are centered on working with the school to improve the teachers’ ability to provide high quality education for their students.

EC Montreal is Canada’s oldest private language school, established in 1991. The company now has 15 schools, in five countries, across three continents, with over 700 staff teaching 40,000+ students.

“It’s not simply about better wages; it’s about creating a better durable working model for everyone. That’s why I unionized”

Mariella Gaffrey, ESL & FSL Teacher

“All teachers, even second-language teachers in the private sector, deserve a say in our working conditions, so I look forward to the improvements we can bring about through our collective voice. I hope that every language school employee in Montreal can be part of a union that represents their interests, and build a better future for both our students and my fellow teachers.”

Sean Kathan, ESL Teacher

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The General Union (TGU) is a labour union open to workers from all industries and companies across Montréal. Established in 2022, TGU is dedicated to fostering a democratic, innovative, and combative union movement.

If you’re ready to unionize your workplace, contact a TGU organizer today.