Quebec's public sector, government hold weekend negotiation marathon

The Quebec government and public sector unions are holding a round of negotiations this weekend with the hope that a deal can be reached before the holidays.

• Quebec's public sector workers plan another strike day Dec. 9
• Thestrikes: Everything you need to know

Both sides say there has been movement on some of the issues, with an agreement likely possible soon.

"Now we're sensing a change of tone, openness to negotiate, openness to finding solutions to problems at the sectorial table of healthcare, social services and education,"said JeanLortie, a spokesman for theCSNFederation.

Treasury Board president MartinCoiteuxsays he sees a light of the end of the tunnel.

"There would be no intensification of negotiations if we would not see the light at the end of the tunnel," he said.

"This is why we intensify the talks. Our objective since the beginning is to reach a negotiated agreement and we are working on this," Coiteux added.

Still, Lortie says there is a major gap between the unions and the governmenton the major monetaryissues includingpension funds and salaries.

The unions have planned another strike day for Dec. 9 and say they are using it as a bargaining tool during negotiations. The strike will likely be cancelled if a deal is reached during this weekend's negotiating blitz.