Quebec public-sector unions continue to see strong support for strike mandates

MONTREAL — Members of several Quebec public-sector unions are continuing to vote in favour of strike mandates by large margins.

The four unions, which represent around 420,000 education, health care and social service workers, say more than 90 per cent of members who have participated in votes have supported a strike mandate.

The unions, which are working together, have been asking their members to back a strike mandate since mid-September, with votes scheduled to continue until Oct. 13.

An unlimited strike would be proceeded by several strike days.

The workers are seeking wage increases of at least $100 a week this year, with further increases over the next two years.

The unions collective agreements expired last March.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 1, 2023.