Some 3,000 public sector workers demonstrated in Quebec City on Monday as they near the end of their five-year contract and continue contract talks with the government.
The unionized workers are calling on the Charest government for a salary increase of 11.25 per over three years, while the province is offering seven per cent over five years.
The last contract was imposed by a government decree, but union leaders say relations with the government have improved since then.
"I still believe that Jean Charest and his people would prefer to have a collective agreement agreed with the unions than impose another decree," said Michel Arsenault, president of the FTQ.
Arsenault said Quebec needs to pay salaries comparable to other public sector workers in other parts of Canada.
"They are hiring people and two years after these people are leaving the government and going to the private sector because there's more money there," Arsenault said.
He also said workers are also frustrated about the increased use of private company employees in public service.
"It's a shame to see contractors making 120 to 125 per cent more than our own people and doing the same job. It makes no sense."
While both sides appear to want to have a deal by March 31, the unions are planning another – and larger – demonstration for March 20 in Montreal.
