The rift between Quebec and its labour unions is growing.
As unions presented their counter-offer Tuesday afternoon, Quebec said it was ‘light years away’ from what it is prepared to pay.
“It’s more than unrealistic – it’s unacceptable,” said Treasury Board president Martin Coiteux.
The Common Front of unions has made concessions, saying it will not hold a general strike on Dec. 1, 2, and 3 as a sign of good faith in returning to the negotiating table.
The unions are also lowering their salary demands, saying they are willing to compromise when it comes to pay increases.
They are now asking for salaries to be indexed to the inflation rate, plus a 1 per cent increase per year until they meet national averages.
That would equal a 2.9 per cent increase for 2015.
The unions were asking for a 13.5 per cent increase over three years.
Quebec wants a 5 per cent increase over five years. The Treasury Board said the difference amounts to $12 billion, which it simply cannot afford
“It would return us in deficit massively. It would require massive tax increases,” said Coiteux.
But the unions say their demands mainly follow inflation and economic growth...just enough "not" to impoverish workers.
The Common Front is still sticking to its demand that the early retirement age for public workers remain at 60.
So far the government wants to see early retirement begin at age 62.
“We're willing to play ball,” and to focus on negotiation by suspending the general strike days, said FTQ president Daniel Boyer.
Quebec is still turning up the pressure.
“Is this their final counter-offer? This is what we're going to test over the next few days. If it is, it’s going to be difficult, no, impossible to reach an agreement,” said Coiteux.
Premier Philippe Couillard maintained that he would prefer a negotiated agreement, but said it will be difficult to move into the new year without a deal of some sort, even if that means imposing one with a special law.
