Quebec teachers, public sector workers begin 3-day strike. Here’s what is going on

A three-day strike is underway across Quebec where hundreds of thousands of public sector workers are off the job and most schools are closed Tuesday.

The Front Commun, which includes members of four major public sector unions representing a “common front” of some 420,000 workers, will be on the picket line through Thursday.

The group includes the majority of elementary and high school teachers as well as school support staff. It also includes health-care workers like orderlies and technicians.

The week of different provincewide strikes comes as a deal remains off the table. The Quebec government’s latest offer included a 10.3 per cent salary increase over five years and a one-time payment of $1,000 to each worker.

Quebec Treasury Board President Sonia LeBel said the offer was a serious one while unions roundly rejected the proposal. On Monday, it was announced a conciliator will be brought in to advance the negotiations.

The three-day walkout starting Tuesday is the first in a series of strikes this week.

The Fédération Interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec, which represents 80,000 nurses, licensed practical nurses, respiratory therapists and clinical perfusionists, is negotiating separately. The walkout is set for Thursday and Friday.

It doesn’t end there. If a deal isn’t reached soon, some schools will be closed indefinitely.

The Fédération Autonome de l’Enseignement, which is also negotiating separately, represents nearly 65,000 teachers in elementary and high schools. It will launch its own unlimited general strike Thursday.

—  with files from The Canadian Press