While the last sectoral table affiliated with the Common Front agreed on a hypothesis of agreement in principle, an outcome at the central table could be reached very soon.
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This is what the former Quebec director of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Marc Ranger, says in an interview with LCN, who adds that two key elements to the progress of the negotiations have been achieved.
“We have two indicators that we are on the right track,” he said. The sectoral table was settled last night. It was also the [même] last sectoral table to be settled in 2021, just before the final blitz.”
“The other major clue is that […] the government was looking for a lot of flexibility in the organization of work, he continues. I know and I understand that at the sectoral tables, there were compromises made regarding this flexibility, whether in education or health.”
The fact that the two parties are in sync on these two points could have the effect of speeding up the negotiations at the central table so that an agreement is reached…or not.
“So we are a few hours, maximum perhaps 24 hours away from having clear indications as to whether we are heading towards a settlement, therefore an agreement in principle, or if ultimately it will not work,” says the ex. -union leader. I expect an outcome which could be quite rapid.”
If an agreement in principle is signed, it will be up to state employees to decide what happens next.
“The final step is the members,” says Mr. Ranger. This is why the tension is high at the moment. There are high expectations in terms of salary increases, and that will be the final step.”
If no agreement is reached, the Common Front threatens to start an unlimited general strike, although this could not begin as soon as the planned return to class begins.
“If there is no agreement, there is a delay of 7 working days,” he explains. We are in the holiday period, so we should not expect an indefinite general strike before mid-January.”
“But in the case of the Common Front, if I had a prediction to make, I believe that the stars are currently aligning well, although it is the most fragile period currently,” he adds.
Watch the full interview in the video above