A coalition of union groups will be using a new tactic to challenge Bill 3, the legislation that proposes reforms to their pension plans.

Unions say the changes that will be imposed are unconstitutional and they will challenge the law in court.

"They're mad and if it goes forward they're going to lose thousands and thousands of dollars in the next years to come," said Marc Ranger, the spokesperson for the union coalition.

Currently facing a second reading in the National Assembly, Bill 3 would require unionized employees of municipalities to make higher contributions to their pension plans in order to make up for shortfalls created by years of underpayments by municipalities.

It would also, in some cases, change retirement ages.

The end goal is to have all pension funds fully funded, and thereafter have municipalities and employees each contribute 50 percent toward pension funds.

Ranger said it's the notion of seeing a cut in take home pay that angers workers.

"If I tell you that I'm going to take from your pay ten percent of your pay, well I'm not sure you're going to be very pleased with that," said Ranger.

Liberal MNA Pierre Moreau announced some changes to the legislation this week, but coalition leader Marc Ranger said the changes were too insignificant.

Ranger said the goal of Bill 3 is "just to lower our pay."

Ranger also said he believes the mayors of many smaller towns and cities would be happy to negotiate packages that see employees paying less than 50 percent of the cost of their retirement.

 

Meanwhile the firefighters' union is upset with Thursday's firings of six employees.

There were incorrect reports during the day that eight firefighters, including union chief Ronald Martin, would be fired.

"For myself, knowing that I'm supposed to be fired, and heard that by a TV station... What do you think my family's reaction was when they heard that? [We're] very very angry," said Martin.

Six firefighters were fired for ransacking Montreal City Hall in August.

Fifty-seven other firefighters and municipal workers were suspended without pay, for periods of one week up to six months, while 44 people face charges of mischief and assault for the August protest.

Union leaders said they will protest the punishments in some fashion, and will meet over the next ten days to decide exactly what they will do.