The Professional Association of Engineers of the Government of Quebec (APIGQ) has launched an indefinite strike, citing a lack of progress in negotiations with the provincial government and what it describes as unequal treatment compared with other public sector employees.
The strike affects approximately 1,800 government engineers, including about 1,200 employed by Quebec’s Ministry of Transport. Others work across key departments such as environment, natural resources, municipal affairs, and cybersecurity. The engineers’ collective agreement expired on March 31, 2023.
The job action follows a one-day strike on May 20 and eight additional strike days earlier in 2025. According to the association, negotiations have included more than 50 meetings and several concessions by the union, but discussions have now reached an impasse.
APIGQ argues that government engineers are being offered compensation and working conditions less favourable than those granted to the vast majority of public and parapublic sector employees. The association says the government is also seeking greater concessions from engineers than from other bargaining groups.
Subscribe to our Newsletter!
The latest environmental engineering news direct to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.
The union maintains it has proposed several options to reach a settlement but will not accept an agreement that falls short of those negotiated elsewhere in the public sector.
“The government must understand that we will not sign an agreement inferior to those already concluded. We are in no hurry to sign a bad settlement,” said APIGQ President Marc-André Martin.
Beyond compensation, the association says negotiations have stalled over workplace issues including office layouts and remote work arrangements. APIGQ contends that engineers remain willing to negotiate but require greater flexibility from the government.
The strike comes as Quebec continues to advance major infrastructure investments and economic development initiatives. APIGQ argues that government engineers will play a critical role in delivering those projects and ensuring the province has the technical expertise needed to support future growth.
The association said it remains committed to reaching a negotiated settlement but accused the government of prolonging the dispute despite what it believes are achievable solutions.
