Hiring Freeze Crisis: School Support Staff at Breaking Point

The Fédération du personnel de soutien scolaire (FPSS-CSQ) held a Facebook Live to present the extent of the impacts of the hiring freeze and the cuts imposed by the Legault government. Testimonials, figures, and consequences: the picture that emerges is one of a network under extreme tension.

A Major Political U-turn

In 2018, François Legault promised to make education his top priority. However, since 2024, government measures have followed one after another: recruitment freeze, optimization targets, cuts in basic allocations, and cancellations of school projects.

“The government changed its tune along the way. The same premier who denounced austerity in 2014 is now implementing even harsher measures,” recalls Éric Pronovost, president of the FPSS-CSQ.

Massive and Repeated Cuts

Between September 2024 and September 2025, the school network was hit by nearly $2.9 billion in potential cuts. During this period, school organizations received 27 letters informing them of budget reductions. In just the first four months following the adoption of the collective agreement, $1.6 billion had already been cut.

Workplaces in Distress: “We’re Holding On With What’s Left”

The Facebook Live highlighted several revealing testimonials about the distress experienced on the ground.

“Our little inner flame is quickly fading. We lack motivation and understanding from our superiors.”

“I am the only TES instead of three. Vulnerable students no longer receive support. I also replace the secretary or the janitor. It’s impossible to keep up.”

“We no longer replace retirements. Files are piling up. Educational advisors have to do the administrative work alone.”

“Common areas are dirtier, breakdowns and vandalism are increasing.”

“I now feel like a punching bag.”

These testimonials paint a common picture: overload, increased violence, deterioration of services to students, and loss of meaning at work.

The Number of TES Plummeting

Data from the Education Dashboard confirms the scale of the decline: May 14, 2025: 19,176 TES in full-time equivalent September 29, 2025: 17,085 TES

A decrease experienced amid a rise in the number of students and students with special needs (HDAA), which increases pressure on the remaining resources.

Budgetary Measures Creating Suffocation

Three measures have particularly affected the environment: 16032 – Achieving budget balance 16034 – Workforce optimization (FTE target) 16036 – Conditional reinvestment

Dominic Latouche, vice-president of labor relations and professional life at FPSS-CSQ, points out that these rules “force school organizations to reduce hours, even when needs are increasing. Although measure 16034 has been withdrawn, organizations must still respect their budgetary framework and rigorously monitor FTEs.”