2011 salary forecasts: higher increases than in 2010, says a publication from
the Quebec Employers Council

MONTREAL, Oct. 4 /CNW Telbec/ - The salary increases that Quebec employers expect to award next year, averaging 2.7%, will generally be equal to or higher than those for 2010.

This is the trend that emerges from the Special Report on 2011 Salary Forecasts, the latest in an annual publication series from the Quebec Employers Council, prepared by the top human resources consulting firms in Quebec (Aon, Mercer Human Resources Consulting, Morneau Sobeco, and Towers Watson). The report was released today in Montreal on the occasion of a small luncheon meeting attended by more than 100 human resources managers and professionals from companies of all sizes.

Compared to previous years, it was noted that regional and sectoral disparities in terms of salary increases will be relatively less evident in 2011. On the other hand, the study found a gap between the amounts budgeted by employers for salary increases and the level of salary scales, with the former having moved higher. This shows that companies are willing to invest their resources strategically to attract and retain top talent.

"In a context of worldwide competition, with access to high-quality labour at competitive cost being a priority, it is essential for employers to benefit from the best possible conditions, especially regarding payroll taxes, to create wealth and thus provide remuneration that is attractive for their employees," stated Yves-Thomas Dorval, president of the Quebec Employers Council.

In the first edition of its Report Card on Quebec Prosperity, released in August, the Council showed that the province still had some way to go in this regard, getting a grade of "C" in access to available labour of high quality at competitive cost. The Council will be especially active in this area over the coming months, particularly concerning employers' contributions to the employment insurance plan.

The annual special report from the Quebec Employers Council on salary forecasts is available in French and English on the organization's website (www.cpq.qc.ca).

The Quebec Employers Council brings together many of Quebec's largest companies and the vast majority of sector-based employers' groups, making it Quebec's sole employers' confederation.

For further information: and interviews: Patrick Lemieux, Adviser - Communications, Mobile: [phone]