Thousands of public-sector workers carried turquoise flags Saturday afternoon through downtown Montreal.

With summer coming to an end, now is the time that we pass on some fresh news with regards to your sectoral negotiations.

The Front commun has released the findings of a survey on Quebecers’ perception of public-sector contract talks. The survey was carried out by SOM from July 26 to July 31, 2023, and reached 1,089 respondents.

The public sector common front revealed Monday that, according to a SOM poll, more than half of Quebecers believe that the nine per cent salary increases over five years offered by the government are not enough.

Beginning next week, a common front of Quebec’s public sector unions will consult their 420,000 members on voting for a strike mandate that would include an unlimited general walkout.

This is it. Here we are. All 420 000 workers will be consulted over the next few weeks on a strike mandate that could go as far as an all-out indefinite strike.

A press conference was held Sunday morning by the FEESP-CSN School Sector negotiating committee highlighting the difficulties for support staff for the upcoming school year.

The Front commun presented its demands to the government in the fall of 2022. One year later, where will we be in terms of contract talks? Will we have reached a settlement – or will we be getting ready to strike? No one can predict the future, but here’s some food for thought.

The rhythm of which the negotiations are proceeding has accelerated. However, management’s demands remain as vague as ever. Our vigilance is crucial.