The Couillard government is increasing its pressure on its road engineers to resume contract negotiations after losing a decision at a labour tribunal that could lead to long traffic jams on the highways.
The tribunal ruled that inspecting bridges and highways isn't an essential service.
As a result, the province's engineers are able to refuse to work nights and weekends to inspect roads and structures.
The work can be done during the day, even though the province had argued that day inspections would likely cause a backlog in traffic.
The engineers have been without a contract for over two years.
The union is asking for a 20 percent salary increase over seven years. The province is offering nine percent.
Quebec hasn't ruled out back to work legislation.
With files from CTV Montreal.