Francois Henault from the CSN addresses inquiries during a press briefing on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, in Quebec City. Leaders from the public sector common front union are in discussions with the government regarding new contracts. Also present are Eric Gingras from the CSQ, Magali Picard from the FTQ, and Robert Comeau from the APTS. This information was reported by Jacques Boissinot of THE CANADIAN PRESS.
In a significant turn of events, the Common Front, a coalition of unions representing approximately 420,000 public sector workers in Quebec, has announced a proposed agreement in principle with the government. This collaborative effort involves key unions such as CSQ, CSN, APTS, and FTQ. The breakthrough was revealed on Thursday afternoon, following 11 days of strikes and extensive negotiations at the central table for the renewal of public sector collective agreements concerning wages and benefits.
The news follows the French teachers' union, FAE, reaching a proposed deal late on Wednesday, marking progress in the broader negotiations landscape.
The Common Front's primary focus during these negotiations was on two fundamental principles regarding wages. Their objectives centred on safeguarding the 420,000 workers against inflation and addressing a general wage catch-up for all employees. A joint statement from the leaders of CSN, CSQ, FTQ, and APTS underscored these guiding principles throughout the negotiation process.
The next steps involve union leaders presenting the proposed agreements' content to their members, who will subsequently vote on whether to ratify the agreement. The unions emphasized that the negotiations would be officially concluded when working and practice conditions, along with salary conditions, are deemed satisfactory.
The Common Front's representation spans public workers in education, health and social services, and higher education sectors, making this development a crucial milestone in the ongoing negotiations. The unions' announcement on Thursday signifies a potential resolution to the threat of an unlimited strike, previously declared by the Common Front for early January.
Sonia LeBel, the president of the Treasury Board, communicated on Thursday via social media that the terms of the proposed deal would remain confidential until union members have the opportunity to vote on it. Meanwhile, the Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec (FIQ), negotiating independently with the government, continues to face pressure.
On Thursday, the FIQ disclosed that it had submitted a new proposal to the employer and is currently "awaiting a response." Representing 80,000 nurses, nursing assistants, and other healthcare professionals, the FIQ posted this brief update on its Facebook page. The Ministry of Labour has intervened by appointing a conciliator, responding to the FIQ's request, to facilitate a resolution between the union and the government.
As these negotiations unfold, the dynamics of the proposed agreements and their potential impact on the broader public sector workforce remain at the forefront of discussions, emphasizing the importance of reaching terms that are agreeable to all parties involved.
