On Tuesday, the Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec (FTQ) and its public sector affiliates (SCFP, SQEES-298, SEPB, UES 800, Teamsters) launched the consultation process for their members with the goal of preparing for the next public sector negotiation, which will kick off in the fall of 2027 with the submission of workers’ demands. During this meeting, leaders revealed the theme and the FTQ visual for this negotiation: « Nos services publics, on y croit » (« We believe in our public services »). Because workers believe in public services, in the importance of caring for the population, in education, social equality, justice, and equity for future generations.
Some 300 activists from the various coordination and negotiation committees gathered to debate the issues that will affect workers during the next round of negotiations, which is expected to extend beyond 2027. Here, we are talking about job recognition and revalorization, the high cost of living, work-life balance, work schedules, subcontracting, and workplace safety.
The FTQ and its public sector affiliates represent some 70,000 workers across more than 380 job titles in health and social services and in education.
« During the next round of negotiations, our challenge will be to make the government—as well as the general public—understand the indispensable nature of public services and that they can only be delivered by motivated workers who are trusted and treated with respect. This requires massive investments in our crumbling facilities, good working conditions, and good wages. This is the only way to be attractive, to draw in and retain staff in our facilities that deliver public services, » stated FTQ President Magali Picard.
At the end of this day, union leaders will go out to meet workers from the various local sections to exchange views and determine the priorities for this negotiation, as well as to identify their needs and find the right mobilization strategies. The submission of union demands will take place in the fall of 2027.
