Quebec union groups say general strike possible in new year
Group of public service unions say deal could still be reached before Dec. 23
A general Quebec public service strike could be launched in January if a new collective agreements deal between a group of teachers, health and social service unions and the provincial government is not reached by the end of the month. (File photo by Cedric Gallant)
A group of public service unions in Quebec may launch a general strike if a new collective agreement is not reached soon with the provincial government.
Following the recent weeklong strike by the common front of Quebec public service unions, which include dozens of teachers, health and social service unions with members in Nunavik, negotiations remain ongoing with Quebec.
The common front rejected the Quebec government’s most recent contract offer, which included a salary increase of 12.7 per cent over five years.
The unions are demanding a three-year contract with Quebec that includes annual increases tied to inflation rates.
According to a report from the Canadian Press on Monday, the common front of unions is expected to meet Tuesday to discuss the next steps in its campaign.
The four unions include the Quebec Labour Congress, Confederation of National Trade Unions, Quebec Federation of Labour and Alliance of professional and technical health and social services personnel. They represent a combined 420,000 public sector employees.
They have warned that a general strike could launch in January if an agreement is not reached with the Quebec government, the Canadian Press reported.
However, Josée Scalabrini, president of an educators’ union represented by Quebec Labour Congress, said in in a video posted to Facebook on Dec. 17 that while the public sector unions are still far from an agreement with the government, talks are continuing and a deal with the province could still happen before Dec. 23.
Scalabrini said that her union, Federation of Education Unions, which represents around 95,000 members, wants better class sizes and workloads for teachers.
The common front of unions most recently went on a planned weeklong strike from Dec. 8 to 14, which closed schools and education centres in Nunavik and across the province, and slowed down some health services. The union group previously went on two shorter strikes in November.
Interesting 12.7% over 5 years, just over 2% a year when inflation is 3.1%. Here is what would work, 3 year deal with 3.1% a year, throw in a signing bonus and ya got my vote, just saying.
The GN got 9% over 6 years. They took advantage of the lack of education and desperation for a retro-pay of some of the workforce by giving a one-time “signing bonus”, which was peanuts compared to what salary adjustments should’ve been had they been anything close to inflation.
May God Bless Ye Merry Gentlewomen and Gentlemen. It is The big item on provincial budgets – healthcare! With education thrown in as well there is much to be concerned about.