New contract for Quebec daycare workers

Quebec's striking public daycare workers will soon be voting on a tentative agreement with the government.

Union delegates from about 360 Centres de petite enfance (CPE) have approved the deal, reached after weeks ofrotating strikes.

Delegates with the CSN Labour Federation voted on the agreement Sunday.

Thedeal provides wage increases between six and 10.5 per cent over five years, and new provisions for vacations and benefits.

Wage increases are on par with cent salary gains for other Quebec public sector workers.

A pre-retirement program for employees aged 55 and older will allow them toreduce their hours for up to 60 months, without jeopardizing employment status.

Vacation provisions will change, with daycare workers entitled to four weeks after five years of work then five weeks after 15 years of service.

Once ratified, the contract will be in effect until March 31, 2015.