Discussions are accelerating with a view to renewing collective agreements in the public sector, according to the government party.
The office of the President of the Treasury Board, Sonia LeBel, had encouraging words on Monday regarding discussions with union representatives.
“We are having increasingly serious discussions with several unions and the pace is accelerating,” declared spokesperson Marylène Le Houillier. We share the understanding that it is still possible to agree by Christmas and we will make every effort to make it happen. »
Beyond this general comment, the office of Mme LeBel did not provide details regarding discussions with the various public sector employee unions.
A spokesperson for the Common Front, Maude Messier, refrained from describing the progress of the discussions.
“We see that things are moving forward,” she said. Is the pace picking up? I will let the government make its statements. »
The Common Front brings together four central unions, namely the Federation of Quebec Workers (FTQ), the Centrale des syndicats nationaux (CSN), the Centrale des syndicats du Québec (CSQ) and the Alliance of professional and technical personnel in health and social services (APTS).
According to Mme Messier, who is spokesperson for the CSQ, no counter-offer has yet been submitted to date. Last week, union members opened the door to spreading their demands over a longer period than the three years initially planned.
“There has never been a counter-proposal from the Common Front on a figure or anything else, we are always on the same parameters” declared Mr.me Messier referring to salary issues.
The Common Front rejected last week the offer of 12.7% over five years tabled by the government, which thus improved its initial proposal of 10.3%.
The Common Front represents 420,000 union members in the public sector, particularly in health and education.
Further details will follow.