Quebec public sector strikes: Walkouts in 9 regions today

Teachers, health-care professionals and civil servants are on strike in nine different regions of Quebec today.

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Parapublicworkers, such as those who work for RAMQ,are also holding walkouts across the province for the second day in a row.

Strikes today will affect the following regions:

• Bas-Saint-Laurent
• Capitale-Nationale
• Mauricie
• Estrie
• Cte-Nord
• Gaspsie-les-de-la-Madeleine
• Chaudire-Appalaches
• Montrgie
• Central Quebec

Stalled contract negotiations

The walkouts were planned in case negotiations with the Quebec government remained at an impasse.

Last Friday, Quebec labour unions rejected the provincial government's latest offer in contract negotiations, deeming it unacceptable.

The province is offering a three per cent salary hike spread out over five years. Public sectors workers are asking for 13 per cent.

"Three per cent over five years doesn't even cover the costs of living," saidLucieChabot, the president of the CSQ.

Public sector workers have been without a collective agreement since April.

More strikes planned

TheSPGQ, a union representing Quebec white-collar workers, has voted in favour of a strike mandate. It could start as early as Nov. 18 if negotiations continue to stall.

The union represents 17,000 publicsector workers,4,400RevenuQubecemployees and other professionals.

Montreal and Laval will hold public sector strikes on Nov. 16 and Nov. 17.

FourMontreal school boards have confirmed their teachers and support staff will go on strike those days as well:CommissionscolairedeMontral,Lester B. Pearson,English Montreal and CommissionscolaireMarguerite-Bourgeoys.

Strike dates are also planned for Dec. 1-3 province-wide.