Treasury Board president Monique Gagnon-Tremblay, left, and Health Minister Yves Bolduc, right, said the government is prepared to pay public sector workers up to two per cent more. (CBC)

The Quebec government says it has improved its offer for its 500,000 public sector workers in an effort to speed up stalled negotiations.

On Thursday, Treasury Board president Monique Gagnon-Tremblay announced the government is prepared to offer up to two per cent more in salary increases, depending on the performance of the province's economy.

Gagnon-Tremblay said it is important for the government to conclude negotiations with public sector unions which have been ongoing since before the collective agreements expired March 31.

"It's not only important for the government. It's important for the population in general. It's important for nurses, for students, it's really important for everyone," Gagnon-Tremblay told reporters at the national assembly.

Quebec Federation of Labour president Michel Arsenault says labour distruptions will become more likely if talks drag on. (CBC)

Some sectors, including certain teachers unions, have already reached an agreement with the province.

But, Health Minister Yves Bolduc said that he hoped deals could also be reached soon with other sectors.

"What is important at this moment is that we continue talking to each other and try to reach an agreement as quickly as possible," said Bolduc.

Talks will intensify over the next few days as both sides aim to reach an agreement before the summer.

Should talks drag on, Quebec Federation of Labour president Michel Arsenault said labour disruptions would become more likely.

"It will be a catastrophe for public sector workers for sure, but also for the public in general," said Arsenault.

Arsenault said the government is asking for too many concessions, such as scheduling flexibility, while offering too little in additional pay.

Action Démocratique finance critic François Bonnardel said the added pay offer is out of line, at a time when Quebecers are being asked to pay higher taxes and user fees.

"It's going to be very tough for all families," said Bonnardel. "I really think the first offer should be the final offer for employees of the state."

Talks will intensify over the next few days, as both sides try to come to an agreement before the summer.

The province's initial offer for public sector workers included wage-and-benefit increases of seven per cent over a five-year period at a cost of $2.3 billion.

The common front representing the province's major public sector unions had demanded an 11.25 per cent pay increase over three years.