Quebec’s public lawyers and notaries have fired back at the government, a day before the Couillard administration will table back-to-work legislation against the striking union members.
In a speech given on Sunday, spokesperson Jean Denis denounced the government’s negotiation tactics, saying the special law will be put in place before the union ever received a counter-proposal.
“It’s clear proof that the government has already made its decision and is negotiating in bad faith,” said Denis in a statement. “(Treasury Board President Pierre) Moreau has put a gun to our temple.”
The union's counter-proposal included asking for a committee to determine their members' exact roles and fair salaries.
On Friday, Moreau delivered what he called the province's final offer and said that if it's not accepted, the legislation would introduced by 5:00 p.m. on Monday.
Moreau says the lengthy negotiations have caused a backlog in the administrative courts.
“Our tribunals and administrative courts need to function normally,” he said. “It’s the same thing for all aspects of the administration. That’s the reason why it is not our position but we have no choice but to table a special law.”
The Quebec Bar Association wants a mediator to help resolve the dispute but Moreau is not in favour of that idea.
"We still have room for a negotiation and we’re still open day and night," he said. "If they want to negotiate tonight, during the night, tomorrow morning, or the day after, we’re still there at the negotiation table because our goal is to get to a negotiated agreement.”
The 1,100 civil service and Quebec Revenue Agency notaries and lawyers have been on a general strike since Oct. 24.
