Application of the CPI Indexation Clause – Collective Agreements 2026-2027-2028
During the most recent round of negotiations for the renewal of the collective agreement, the Common Front, within which the FTQ was negotiating, secured the addition of a genuine Consumer Price Index (CPI) indexation clause. This clause aims to protect the purchasing power of workers for the years 2026, 2027, and 2028.
The year 2026 will be the first year in which this new mechanism may apply.
What the collective agreement provides
On March 31, 2026, each salary rate and scale effective on March 30, 2026 is increased by the variation in percentage between the annual average Québec consumer price index in 2025-2026 and the annual average Québec consumer price index in 2024-2025, reduced by 2.60 percentage points. The increase may not be greater than 1.00%.
Publication of the CPI and retroactivity
• The annual average CPI for 2025-2026 will be published on April 20.
If the clause results in a salary adjustment, it will be:
• Retroactive to March 31, 2026
• Paid within a maximum of 180 days following publication (therefore starting April 20)
How the mechanism works
On April 20, 2026, Statistics Canada will publish the CPI for March 2026. This will allow the negotiating parties to calculate the twelve month moving average CPI from April 2025 to March 2026 and compare its growth to that of April 2024 to March 2025. This comparison will determine whether the resulting inflation rate allows for a salary increase of at least 0.05% and at most 1.00% on March 31, 2026.
For example:
If inflation is 2.7%, this will result in a 0.1% salary increase on March 31, 2026. Each rate and salary scale will be increased by this percentage.
This salary increase must be granted no later than 180 days after April 20, 2026.
Stay informed
As of April 20, the result will be communicated to you.