François Legault is more optimistic regarding negotiations with education sector unions than with health unions, which he says are more "difficult" to talk to.

"With teachers, things are going well, very well," the Prime Minister announced upon arriving at the National Assembly this morning – to the extent that it will be possible to return to class next week, according to him. He added: "I hope all children will return to school next Monday."

But negotiations are progressing less smoothly with health sector unions, according to him.

"With them, it is very difficult," the Prime Minister stated as he got out of his limousine. He expressed regret that union leaders showed almost no openness, to the extent that it might be surprising if the two sides reach an agreement by New Year's Day.

On this side, I believe things will be better in January, Mr. Legault said before rushing to Parliament.

Later, upon arriving to attend the weekly cabinet meeting, Treasury Board President Sonia Lebel also announced that there is a real possibility of reaching an agreement with the Independent Federation of Education.

It would also be realistic, according to her, to be able to find ways to proceed and reach agreements from now until the end of the year with the Common Front.

Ms. Lebel again confirmed that the demands of the main nurses' union, the Quebec Professional Health Federation FIQ, are still unrealistic.

Meanwhile, the response from the Independent Federation of Education (FAE) – which represents about 40% of teachers in the school network in Montreal, Laval, Laurentians, Outaouais, Capitale-Nationale, and Granby area – was not successful.

The union called, in a message published on social media, for its members not to be deceived; not to board the Prime Minister’s roller coaster; and to remain standing, upright, proud, and united.

Quebec is currently negotiating with about ten union units, including the Independent Federation of Education FAE, regarding an indefinite general strike since November 23, and the Common Front (Quebec Workers' Union FTQ, National Union of Quebec CSN, and Centrale des unions du Québec CSQ, and the Professionals’ Alliance). Technical staff in health and social services APTS), Quebec Specialized Health Union FIQ, and the Government Professions Union in Quebec SPGQ. All these organizations are currently in "withdrawal" status.

Quebec's 160,000 teachers are represented either by the Independent Federation of Education FAE or by the Federation of Education Unions FSE, affiliated with the Centrale des syndicats du Québec CSQ. The two union units negotiate in parallel.

However, the president of the Independent Federation of Education FAE, Mélanie Hébert, informed her members last night in a video posted on Facebook that the optimism that prevailed on Monday has given way to doubt, because the texts submitted by the government do not necessarily reflect what was said [the previous day].

The strike is especially difficult for Ms. Hébert's union, as its members do not have a strike fund. It is also painful and above all for the students, deprived of education for almost three weeks.