As the holidays approach, the Joint Front maintains its goal of reaching an agreement on December 19 but expresses dissatisfaction with the slow pace of talks.
Updated yesterday at 3:31 p.m.
“It's not progressing at the speed we would like. We cannot announce publicly that we will come to an agreement and have this rhythm before the end of the year. “The government is not behaving as if it is urgent,” the president of the Federation of Health and Social Services (FSSS-CSN), Réjean Leclerc, told La Presse.
Certain sectoral tables were not called for negotiations this weekend. “We have no negotiations, even though we have been saying for several weeks that we are available seven days a week,” complains Jessica Goldschleger, first vice president of the Federation of Professionals (FP-CSN).
“They refused to negotiate at the end of the week. What is the problem ? », announced the president of the Quebec Union of Service Employees (SQEES-FTQ), Sylvie Nelson, during a press conference on Sunday morning.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
Quebec Union of Service Employees (SQEES-FTQ) President Sylvie Nelson, Sunday
The Common Front is on strike from December 8th to 14th. After these seven days of strike, all Common Front unions will be consulted on December 18th and 19th. Representatives of the Common Front are aiming for an agreement by December 19th.
This is possible if we negotiate day and night. The problem is that there isn't the same sense of urgency on the management side.
Réjean Leclerc, President of the FSSS-CSN
“Initiating a strike is a decision that falls to the unions. For our part, we are working to reach an agreement as quickly as possible. Our teams are available 24/7 to finalize negotiated agreements and meetings with unions are taking place throughout the weekend,” said Treasury President Sonia LeBel’s office.
Significant gap
On Friday, the Common Front made a counteroffer to the Legault government. At a press briefing Friday, Common Front union leaders offered few details about their new proposal. They only said that the Common Front was ready to sign collective agreements lasting more than three years.
The Joint Front's initial request over three years included a 9% catch-up increase, as well as an increase linked to the consumer price index – the “indexation clause” – to a total of about 23%.
On Thursday, Prime Minister François Legault said he was ready to improve on his new offer of a 12.7% pay rise in five years presented on Wednesday. “More than $9 billion in recurring dollars is currently on the table, up one billion from the last offering,” Sonia LeBel’s office said.
“We reiterate that flexibility is essential for the government, particularly with regard to appointment management and travel on a voluntary basis,” the cabinet added.
With Tommy Chouinard, La Presse