Quebec teacher, nurse unions threaten unlimited strike in new year if no deal is reached
Four Quebec public sector unions representing hundreds of thousands of workers are threatening to launch an unlimited general strike early in the new year if they can't reach a deal with the provincial government.
Leaders of the four unions, which are negotiating together and calling themselves the "common front," told reporters Wednesday in Quebec City that they think it's possible to settle before the end of 2023 — but they warned that their threat isn't a bluff.
"The situation is serious. What we are asking for is intensive negotiations," said Magali Picard, president of common front member FTQ.
The unions, which represent 420,000 public sector workers, including teachers, education support staff and lab technicians, have held three strikes, each one longer than the one before. Most recently, they walked out from Dec. 8 through Dec. 14.
Union leaders said the government is attempting to lead a one-sided negotiation during which suggestions from workers are rejected out of hand.
"For me, (Premier) François Legault is driving a car through a tunnel in the wrong direction. All the other cars are facing him and he continues to be convinced he's the only one who is heading in the right direction," Picard said.
A teachers union that is part of the common front was scheduled to present a counter-offer to the government Wednesday morning after it rejected the most recent government proposal. Josée Scalabrini, president of Fédération des syndicats de l'enseignement, described the latest offer as smoke and mirrors. The union's proposal focuses on teacher workloads and on class sizes.
An unaffiliated teachers union that has been on unlimited general strike for four weeks said late Wednesday that it has also rejected the government's offer. The FAE said in a news release that the "new offer contains major setbacks for teachers as well as their students."
The provincial government has said it hopes to reach a deal with the unions before the end of the year.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 20, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton to remain in medically induced coma until later this week: police
Serial killer Robert Pickton will remain in a medically induced coma for at least the next few days following an attack in a Quebec prison Sunday, according to police spokesperson Hugues Beaulieu.
Charlie Colin, founding member of the pop-rock band Train, dies at 58
Charlie Colin, bassist and founding member of the American pop-rock band Train, best known for their early-aughts hits like 'Drops of Jupiter' and 'Meet Virginia,' has died. He was 58.
'Five feet nothing': Pickton's safety likely behind Quebec transfer, says ex-prison judge
When serial killer Robert Pickton was transferred from British Columbia's Kent Institution to a maximum security prison in Quebec about six years ago, correctional authorities gave no public explanation or confirmation at the time, citing privacy.
'I feel betrayed': Ottawa-area customers out thousands of dollars warn of bad faith contractor
A group of people from eastern Ontario and western Quebec is issuing a warning about Dennis Walker and his company Vue Windows.
Fancy pigeon outfitted in custom diaper has free rein in B.C. family home
When Chrissy Chin volunteered to take in a fancy pigeon abandoned on a park bench, she never imagined she would one day be ordering custom-made diapers for the bird – who lives in her house and has become a member of the family.
'We'll need all hands on deck': Details emerge after deadly boat crash near Kingston
Police say they have wrapped up their on-scene investigation into a deadly boat crash in eastern Ontario as details of the incident begin to emerge.
WestJet planning new fare category for travellers willing to forgo carry-on bag
WestJet Airlines plans to launch a new cheaper fare category that would be available to travellers willing to fly without a carry-on bag.
5 dead and at least 35 hurt in Iowa tornado: officials
Five people died and at least 35 were hurt as powerful tornadoes ripped through Iowa Tuesday, with one carving a path of destruction through the town of Greenfield, officials said.
Woman found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017 matches identity of missing person in Switzerland
Genetic genealogy has helped Toronto police identify a woman who was found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017.