No deal between Quebec unions, construction companies as talks break down

Negotiations have officially stalled between Quebec construction companies and the unions representing workers as the deadline to strike a deal looms.

Unions rejected the employer groups' final offerthis afternoon in what has been a last-ditch effort to avoid back-to-work legislation. They had until 4 p.m. to accept a deal.

"It's over for us," said Michel Trpanier, a spokesperson for the alliance of unions.

The two sides only have one more day before the provincial government intervenes and forces construction workersto return to their jobs next week.

• What you need to know about the special law that could end Quebec's construction strike

This morning, the group that represents the residential sector of the industry withdrew from talks, but said its last offer still stands.

The move comes a day after thealliance of Quebec construction unions announced itwillmove forward with legal proceedings againstemployer groups, arguing they are negotiating in bad faith.

Clock is ticking

The Quebec government has already recalled the National Assembly for Monday morning, withplans tointroduce a special lawto force a deal between the two sides as the labour conflict drags on.

About 175,000 workers have been off the job since last Wednesday, bringingprojects across the province to a halt.

Workers in the industrial sector are asking for more stable work schedules. Salaries are one of the mainsticking pointsin the residential sector.

The workers have been without a collective agreement since April 30.

Labour Minister DominiqueVienhas urged both sides to strike a deal before the province steps in.

"Every hour represents about $2 million of losses for the Quebec government," she said.