François Legault prepares for the failure of negotiations with state employees

The Common Front unions (APTS, CSN, CSQ and FTQ) hold their meetings to obtain authorization for an unlimited general strike. They reported widespread participation from their members with strike votes exceeding 90%.

The Prime Minister’s joke declaring that “there will be no blue flags for everyone” did not dampen the enthusiasm of the union members. They’re used to that line, because in the 2000s, they were told, “There’s not going to be a Molson for everyone.”

It’s not the beer the union members want. Above all, they want conditions that match the value of their work and that allow them to provide adequate service to the population.

Quebec workers are not all that powerful, contrary to what CAQ ministers, employer associations and many analysts believe. In fact, they are treated worse in light of similar jobs in other sectors.

Comprehensive compensation

Contrary to what some suggest, Quebec government employees are at the bottom of the list in terms of total compensation (salaries and social benefits) according to the Quebec Tourism Institute.

Retirement plans don’t turn out to be stealth gold mines. The employee contributes directly to the fund and the employer pays an equal share rather than giving it directly as a salary. In other words, employees pay for their retirement while costing the state less than they would in the private sector or in other public jobs such as other municipalities or provinces.

Permanency, which to some looks like another gold mine, is far from having the value attributed to it in this period of labor shortages. It does not excuse you from having the skills necessary for a job. The same can be said about seniority.

The Quebec government is struggling to hire because it has become less competitive. Employees leave and their wages double by joining other companies.

The Caquistes administration is making the state increasingly dependent on private agencies with an alarming loss of expertise. Let’s think about the computer chaos that has existed for several years in government institutions.

Debunking myths

Legault, LeBel, Dubé, and Drainville should realize that maintaining negative biases against their employees is counterproductive.

Ministers will benefit from taking a step forward in developing civil servants in order to attract the best prospects and build a competent state that will not be at the mercy of the financial oligarchs.

Successive governments have not accustomed us to negotiating in good faith. Mr. Legault wants to listen. He has a great opportunity to do this with his staff to change the course of history!

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