As Liberals met inside, hundreds of members from major unions demonstrated outside the Palais des congres in Montreal Sunday to speak out.
The group was denouncing the Liberal government’s so-called austerity measures, but also the government's proposals for contract renewals in the public sector.
Education is suffering in the wake of Premier Philippe Couillard's cuts, said protesters, many of them teachers who are arguing over issues including salary increases and limits to class sizes.
“I don't think the government has as much support as they think they have. I think when parents realize that we have issues for their children and their future, we will get the support of the parents,” said one teacher.
FTQ union presidentDaniel Boyer said he was disappointed not only in the content of the offers, but also the pace of negotiations, which he said are moving at a glacial pace.
Meantime, at the Liberal convention inside, Couillard pledged to stay the course, focusing on prosperity and maintaining balanced budgets for years to come.
The unions say many options are being explored for the fall.
“We're looking at working to rule, we're talking about striking. The members of our union are more in favour of working to rule because we feel because we give so much time, unpaid hours, to prop up the education system that if we were to stop working for free that that would have the effect of creating serious pressure on the government,” said a protester.
There is simply not enough money to meet all demands, said Couillard.
“We are open to negotiate and we wish to have a negotiated settlement with only two conditions. First, budgetary balance will not be threatened by this. And second, we want to reduce the tax burden of Quebecers – and we will not change our idea,” he said.
