Quebec teachers unions are in the process of renegotiating with the government a collective agreement that expired at the end of March.

The Centrale des syndicats du Quebec, the union representing the 73,000 teachers, says the timing of the strike is designed to put pressure on management.

A mini baby boom in the 2000s, increased immigration and a recent influx of refugees are putting enormous pressure on the education system in the city amid recent budget cuts and rapidly deteriorating school infrastructure.