(Quebec) François Legault promises to “improve” this Sunday the government’s offer to unionized workers in the public and parapublic sector. The proposals put on the table to date to renew collective agreements have led to mandates for an indefinite general strike.
The Prime Minister argued Wednesday with union workers upon his arrival at Parliament, while demonstrators from the Fédération de la Santé du Québec (FSQ-CSQ) were gathered in front of the Honoré-Mercier building, where the offices of the Prime Minister are located. minister.
Firstly, Mr. Legault reiterated that he would be firm on his intention to give larger salary increases and enhanced bonuses “in shifts that are more difficult to fill”, notably at night, at the end of week and in regions far from major centers.
“In the history of Quebec, it is always difficult to give differentiated salary increases. […] We will improve our offer on Sunday,” he promised the demonstrators.
According to the Prime Minister, “we cannot say: I give 21% raises to everyone and on top of that, I give night bonuses. You have to find a balance.”
The increase in the salaries of elected officials follows Quebec
A union representative from the Laval region, Déreck Cyr, responded to Mr. Legault that the deputies of the National Assembly voted for 30% salary increases in June. The government also offered Sûreté du Québec (SQ) police officers raises of 21% in five years, an offer rejected by the union.
For its part, the common union front is demanding salary increases of around 20% over three years, while the president of the Treasury Board, Sonia LeBel, has put on the table increases of 9% over five years, the lump sum payment of $1,000 and bonuses of 2.5% for certain categories of workers.
In recent weeks, Prime Minister Legault has said that he expects public and parapublic sector unions to launch strikes soon. The common front, which represents 420,000 workers in the health and education networks, recently announced that it had obtained “historic” support from 95% of its members in favor of a strike mandate which provides for the resort to an unlimited general strike.