No deal between Quebec unions, construction companies as talks break down
Provincial government urges both sides to strike a deal by Monday or face back-to-work legislation
Negotiations have officially stalled between Quebec construction companies and the unions representing workers as the deadline to strike a deal looms.
Unions rejected the employer groups' final offer this afternoon in what has been a last-ditch effort to avoid back-to-work legislation. They had until 4 p.m. to accept a deal.
"It's over for us," said Michel Trépanier, a spokesperson for the alliance of unions.
The two sides only have one more day before the provincial government intervenes and forces construction workers to return to their jobs next week.
This morning, the group that represents the residential sector of the industry withdrew from talks, but said its last offer still stands.
The move comes a day after the alliance of Quebec construction unions announced it will move forward with legal proceedings against employer groups, arguing they are negotiating in bad faith.
Clock is ticking
The Quebec government has already recalled the National Assembly for Monday morning, with plans to introduce a special law to force a deal between the two sides as the labour conflict drags on.
About 175,000 workers have been off the job since last Wednesday, bringing projects across the province to a halt.
Workers in the industrial sector are asking for more stable work schedules. Salaries are one of the main sticking points in the residential sector.
The workers have been without a collective agreement since April 30.
Labour Minister Dominique Vien has urged both sides to strike a deal before the province steps in.
"Every hour represents about $2 million of losses for the Quebec government," she said.
With files from Radio-Canada