Quebec government awaits counter-proposal from union

Quebec Treasury Board President Martin Coiteux says the province is eager to see the labour unions' counter-proposal, which is expected to be presented Wednesday.

Coiteux told a news conference Tuesday he believes there's room for negotiation with public sector workers, who have been holding demonstrations and strike days in response to stalled contract talks.

He said he expects "a serious and reasonable" offer from the unions.

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• Public sector strikes in Montreal and Laval: What services are affected?
• Faces of the Quebec public sector strike

Quebec's most recent proposal in early Novemberwas rejected after it wasdeemed"unacceptable"by the unions representing public sector workers.

"We want to work it out, we have said that since the beginning. We don't want to strike, we want a collective agreement for our members," said Daniel Boyer, president of the FTQ.

"And we will introduce a proposal that makes a lot of sense and that will bring together the parties in the goal of finding a solution."

For his part, QuebecPremier PhilippeCouillardsaid the counter-offercould be a step toward finding a solution to the deadlockedcontract negotiations.

"I think we can have a negotiated deal," saidCouillard.

"However, Quebec's financial means are not flexible. The financial framework is still the one we announced."

Province-widestrikes are plannedforDec.1, 2 and 3 if negotiations continue to stall.

More protests

Thousands of teachers, health-care professionals and civil servants were offthe job again Tuesdayas part ofa series of province-wide rotating strikes.

The common front, a coalition of Quebec unions at the forefront of public sector negotiations, also held a protest in downtown Montreal.

Cancelled classes in Montreal and Laval

Students at most schools and CEGEPs didn't haveclass on Tuesday as part of the walkout:

• English Montreal School Board (EMSB)
• Lester B. Pearson School Board (LBPSB)
• CommissionscolairedeMontral(CSDM)
• Commissionscolairede laPointe-de-l'le(CSPI)
• Commissionscolairede Laval (CSL)
• CommissionscolaireMarguerite-Bourgeoys(CSMB)
• Commission scolaire de Laval
• Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board

Click here for the full list ofCEGEPs and health-care establishmentsthat are also holding strikes on Tuesday.