Quebec Premier François Legault has expressed his willingness to increase the government’s offer to public sector unions who have been on strike since earlier this month. However, he emphasized the need for unions to demonstrate more flexibility, particularly regarding work schedules. Legault believes that the current round of negotiations will play a crucial role in shaping the future efficiency of health and education networks. He criticized previous governments for prioritizing salary increases without addressing work organization. In exchange for flexibility, Legault is open to enhancing the government’s offer.

For teachers, flexibility means accepting class assignments in May rather than August, which would help school boards allocate teachers to classes in a more efficient manner. In the past, Quebec has faced a shortage of teachers just weeks before the start of the school year. Nurses could benefit from flexibility by receiving extra pay for undesirable shifts, such as nights, weekends, and remote areas. Legault also stressed the importance of easily assigning nurses to different hospitals.

The unions, represented by CSQ, CSN, APTS, and FTQ, have formed a “common front” and are striking together. With over 420,000 members in the health, education, and social services sectors, their demands for better working conditions are substantial. While the unions are willing to negotiate work schedules, they prefer to do so in private negotiations.

Magali Picard, head of the FTQ, dismissed the government’s emphasis on flexibility, stating that the unions have been open to negotiation. The FAE, representing elementary and secondary school teachers, has launched an unlimited general strike, while the FIQ, representing nurses and other healthcare workers, is striking for two days. The unions have rejected the proposed salary increase and are instead seeking a three-year deal that includes salary increases tied to the inflation rate.

The negotiation between the government and unions is crucial for the future of Quebec’s public sector. Both sides need to find a balance between addressing worker demands and ensuring the efficient delivery of services in the health and education sectors.