Quebec premier to force end to construction strike

The Quebec government has tabled a bill meant to put an end to the province's construction strike and force some 77,000 employees back to work.

Premier Pauline Maroisreluctantly moved forward with the back-to-work legislation on Sunday and called the national assembly back from its summer recess for a special sitting.

On her way into the national assembly on Sunday morning, Marois briefly spoke with reporters.

"I am very disappointed to have to go the route of a special law," the premier said, referring to Saturday's failedlast-ditch effort to reach a settlment between the unions and the industry.

"Honestly, we really put a lot of work into the negotiations and discussions between the workers and representatives of the construction industry," she said.

'Be Zen'

The special sitting of the national assembly opened with attacks from the Liberal Party, which criticized the Parti Qubcois government for its handling of the strike.

After a few tense moments, deputy Speaker Carole Poiriertried to calm the discussion.

"It's Sunday. Be Zen," she said.

All parties agreed the back-to-work bill is necessary both the Liberals and the CAQ have been demandingspecial legislation for several days.

However, the PQ's plan to extend workers' contracts by four years became a sticking point for the opposition parties.

CAQ leader Franois Legault said he thinks the contractsshould only be extended by one year.

"Right now there would be no incentive for the unions to [make] any compromise for four years," he said.

Highlights of Bill 54

• Sends striking employees to return to work as of 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 2.
• Extends current contract to April 30, 2017.
• Still allows unions and the employers to return to the table and negotiate a different deal.
• Imposes salary increases totalling 8.6 per cent over four years.
• Imposes fines on anygroups or individuals violating the law: $100-$500 for individuals, $7,000-$35,000 for union officers,$25,000-$125,000 for associations.

Long night

CBC reporter Shawn Lyons says it's expected to be a longnight the whole processcould take up to 20 hours, with a final vote expected Monday morning.

One MNA, Coalition Avenir Qubec's Christian Dub,even showed up with a pillow.

Construction union leaders have saidthey will respect back-to-work legislation.