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 November was rejected after it was deemed "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, Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard said the counter-offer could be a step toward finding a solution to the deadlocked contract negotiations.

"I think we can have a negotiated deal," said Couillard.

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

Province-wide strikes are planned for Dec.1, 2 and 3 if negotiations continue to stall.

More protests

Thousands of teachers, health-care professionals and civil servants were off the job again Tuesday as part of a 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 have class on Tuesday as part of the walkout:

• English Montreal School Board (EMSB)
• Lester B. Pearson School Board (LBPSB)
• Commission scolaire de Montréal (CSDM)
• Commission scolaire de la Pointe-de-l'Île (CSPI)
• Commission scolaire de Laval (CSL)
• Commission scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys (CSMB)
• Commission scolaire de Laval
• Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board 

Click here for the full list of CEGEPs and health-care establishments that are also holding strikes on Tuesday.