On a day-to-day basis, SERV is affiliated to the Common Front, which represents 420,000 workers in the health and social services, education and CEGEP sectors. The conflict affects all school service centers, CEGEPs and health and social service establishments in Quebec.

For Ms. Lefebvre, for an agreement to be reached, she points out: "The government would have to be open to our demands. There would also have to be a blitz, which is not yet the case." 

If employers and employees fail to reach an agreement by the holiday season, can we expect an indefinite general strike? "The GGI will be considered by the Common Front in due course. We're meeting in Quebec City on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week to take stock of the situation," she adds, on the eve of a meeting that will be crucial for what happens next. 

How is morale on the picket lines? According to her observations, it's good, despite "the disappointment of the messages sent by Mr. Legault and Ms. Lebel. Seriously, I've never seen negotiations like this in the public arena. The activists were out in force every day on the picket lines," she says. 

To date, Ms. Lefebvre is unable to say whether any teachers have resigned as a result of the protracted negotiations. However, she can confirm that some teachers have found a Plan B - temporary jobs - to support themselves during the strike. 

After a four-day strike last week, from December 11 to 14, students and teachers were back in class on Friday, December 15.Had a plan been drawn up to facilitate this step? "Everything went smoothly.In any case, teachers are adaptable and can be ready in no time, whatever the situation," she asserts. 

Finally, if the press corps stretches out after the holiday break, will pedagogical days or even spring break be cancelled? Ms. Poirier hopes not." The encumbered time should not be taken back according to the Labour Code.Teachers have training obligations during pedagogical days and meetings called by their management. These days are important for planning, correcting and organizing work.As far as spring break is concerned, many children miss class days before and after spring break, as parents travel with their children. Teaching an incomplete group is counterproductive. What's more, by the end of February, many students need a rest," she concludes. 

At the time of going to press, the Common Front had not announced its game plan for the return to class after the holiday break.