Quebec municipal workers protest pension reforms

Municipal workers across Quebec took part in a one-day strike to protest the provincial government’s pension reforms.

The Coalition syndicale pour la libre négociation (Union Coalition for Free Negotiation) staged a 24-hour work stoppage. Twenty-five unions went on strike and held demonstrations targeting city halls and municipal buildings.

“All year-long in 2014, we have made every possible effort to reach a compromise with the Couillard government,” says Coalition spokesperson Marc Ranger.

Bill 3, which is expected to be adopted next week, proposes that pension plan contributions be shared equally between the municipality and active members.

The Coalition comprises more than 65,000 members, including white- and blue-collar workers, firefighters, police officers, professionals and public transportation employees. It represents virtually all unionized municipal employees in Quebec.

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