FSQ-CSQ rejects the health sector agreement | Public sector strikes in Quebec

Quebec's first health union federation rejects the proposed regulation and intends to return to negotiating the working conditions of its members.

According to information obtained by Radio-Canada, about fifty representatives of the Federal Council of the Quebec Health Federation, affiliated with the Central Quebec Center of Trade Unions (FSQ-CSQ), a member of the Common Front, rejected 98% of the sectoral agreement. It was reached on December 24 over the past few days.

In a message shared Thursday to more than 5,200 members of… FSQ–CSQThe negotiating team says it is aware of this Some aspects still constitute serious inconveniences, in particular the double-rate overtime bonus on weekends, which does not apply to everyone, or the disparity between part-time and full-time workers in granting overtime, as well as the non-payment of wages in the percentage of permits from Professional orders.

The Delegation saw that there were setbacks on the table, so the Commission considered that the agreement was not interesting enough to present to you.

In December, the Treasury Board insisted that… The proposed regulation, agreed with the Quebec Health Federation, will make it possible in particular to achieve a better work-life balance, improve service delivery during unfavorable work shifts and ensure more structured work..

there FSQ–CSQ It represents more than 5,200 nurses, practical nurses and respiratory therapists working in the Montreal, Laval, Côte Nord, Nord du Québec and Gaspécy regions.

It was one of the smallest health unions affiliated with the Joint Front.

The negotiating team intends to request the intervention of the conciliator and inform members that they will be called to vote soon Regarding agreement in principle on an inter-sectoral settlement on salaries, insurance, parental rights, differences and retirement.

We heard the message from our members“, explains FSQ-CSQ President, Isabelle Domaine. Our members told us that this is not enough (…) and obviously we want to submit our request for reconciliation next week, we will see the administrative side.

Possible repercussions

During the common front negotiations, the Confederation of National Unions (CSN). CSQThe Federation of Workers of Quebec (FTQ) and the Alliance of Professional and Professional Staff in Health and Social Services (APTS) jointly negotiated cross-sector clauses related to wages.

However, each union negotiated sectoral terms.

According to our information, the decision FSQ–CSQ It could have ramifications for approval processes by other health unions.

By the Federation of Health and Social Services (FSSS-)CSN), for example, the largest health union with 120,000 members, delegates from affiliated unions recommended the proposed regulation at the beginning of January. Public meetings must be held until February 20.

In this case, members are invited to vote as a whole, without distinguishing between sectoral and cross-sectoral.

This decision is from FSQ–CSQ It could also have an impact in the context of the establishment of a single employer Santé Québec. Each union will have to highlight its strengths during the raid period to represent 300,000 health workers in the public sector.

The Federation of Professional Health of Quebec (FIQ), which represents 80,000 nurses, has not yet reached an agreement.