Quebec's public sector workers plan another strike day Dec. 9

Thousands of public sector workers across Quebec, including teachers and health care professionals, say they will walk off the job on Dec. 9 if they don't have a negotiated deal with the Quebec government by that time.

"The government is finally in negotiation mode. However, there are still obstacles that persist, namely...the issues of wage increasesand pension plans. The negotiations must not only intensify, but must lead to concrete answers...and ultimately a signed collective agreement," a statement released Thursday evening by the unionsread.

A common front of 400,000 public servants and teachers hasbeen holding rotating strike days in recent weeks as a way to protest lagging talks at the bargaining table.

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Unions had initially announced they would hold three strike days on Dec. 1, 2 and 3, but later said they would put off those strike days as a way ofshowinggood faith at the bargaining table.

Negotiations are expected to intensify in the coming days, with talks scheduled to go on throughout the weekend.