Quebec construction workers’ general strike underway

Quebec’s construction workers have begun a general province-wide strike as of 5 a.m. on Wednesday.

Negotiations ended at midnight after talks between the union and the government failed.

Industrial workers are seeking an agreement protecting work scheduling and overtime, while residential workers are seeking adjustments to salaries.

READ MORE: Quebec labour minister threatening special law in event of construction strike

Labour minister Dominique Vien is threatening to impose a back-to-work legislation.

“Presently, the Quebec Council of Employers (CPQ) is urging the government to enforce a special law forcing the return to work,” said CPQ president Yves-Thomas Dorval.

“Ideally, we would like to see some work being done up until arbitration is settled.”

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The strike has been looming for weeks as 175,000 Quebec construction workers have been without a deal since April 30.

The strike is expected to halt, delay or alter plans for projects around the province, including the groundbreaking ceremony for La Grande Roue de Montréal, the observation wheel installation in Montreal’s Old Port.