The union representing thousands of Quebec's private agency security guards is poised to launch a strike over lagging contract talks.

The unionized guards work at hundreds of locations across the province, including hospitals, government buildings, the Port of Montreal, schools, factories, and businesses. Union spokesperson Lucie Rochon says the fourteen-thousand guards could be off the job on the first of two-24-hour strikes the first Monday in February. The guards' union is holding a mandate for a second 24-hour strike February 9 and reserves the right to stage a general unlimited walkout beyond that date.

Contract talks have stalled on issues involving salaries, bonuses and job descriptions.

The agency guards are not subject to Quebec's law on essential services.