According to the governing party, discussions about renewing collective agreements in the public sector are gaining momentum.
Treasury President Sonia LeBel's office had encouraging words Monday about talks with union representatives.
“We are having increasingly serious discussions with several unions and the pace is increasing,” said spokeswoman Marylène Le Houillier. We are aware that an agreement is still possible by Christmas and will do our best to achieve this. »
Beyond this general comment, Ms. LeBel's office did not provide any details about discussions with the various public sector employee unions.
A spokesman for the CSQ, which is a member of the Common Front, declined to comment openly on the status of the discussions. “We see that there is progress. Is the pace increasing? I will let the government make its statements,” said Maude Messier. However, she believes there is room for improvement. “It works. Could it be faster? Yes,” she said.
The Common Front brings together four central unions, namely the Federation of Quebec Workers (FTQ), the Confederation of National Unions (CSN), the Centrale des syndicats du Québec (CSQ) and the Alliance of Professional and Technical Personnel of the Health and Social Services (APTS).
According to Ms. Messier, there has been no counteroffer so far. Last week, union members opened the door to voice their demands for a collective agreement that would last longer than the three years originally planned.
“There has never been a counter-proposal from the Common Front on a number or anything else, we are always on the same parameters,” explained Ms. Messier, referring to the salary issues.
The Common Front last week rejected the government's offer of 12.7% over five years, improving on its original proposal of 10.3%.
The Common Front represents 420,000 union members in the public sector, particularly in health and education. Its representatives should provide a public update on the progress of the talks on Wednesday, Ms. Messier said.
“On our side, we are still in the momentum of reaching an agreement before the holidays and we see that this is still possible at this point,” she said. All energies are put aside. »
As far as the Fédération interprofessional de la santé du Québec (FIQ) is concerned, no significant progress has been reported. The union representing nurses had no particular intention of reaching an agreement with the government in the short term.
Training
Last week, Prime Minister François Legault expressed confidence that the return to classes would happen on Monday.
No comment could be obtained from the Autonomous Education Federation (FAE) on the progress of the discussions.
Last week, the union's president, Mélanie Hubert, said Mr Legault's enthusiasm was unrealistic. The 66,500 teachers represented by the FAE have been on an indefinite general strike since November 23rd.
At the Confederation of Education Trade Unions, affiliated to the CSQ, President Josée Scalabrini hopes for an agreement before December 23rd.
“Have things progressed since Friday?” Yes, she explained on social networks. Are we close to reaching a fundamental agreement? NO. »
However, Ms Scalabrini was encouraged by the progress of the negotiations.
“If work continues as it has since Friday, we hope that the negotiations could give interesting signals,” she said.
FSE teachers want changes in class composition and a reduction in their workload, Ms. Scalabrini said.
From December 8th to 14th, teachers represented by the FSE resigned from the Common Front.