On October 24th and 25th, the 80,000 members of the Interprofessional Health Federation (FIQ) will be called upon to decide whether to strike. The requested mandate indicates an indefinite strike.
The decision was made late Wednesday afternoon by a panel of the union organization that represents the vast majority of nurses, practical nurses, respiratory therapists and clinical perfusionists in Quebec.
The approximately 500 delegates gathered from the Quebec Interprofessional Health Federation fully agreed with over 99% of the proposal for an indefinite strike mandate.
Until the vote, the unions are the FIQ will hold several information sessions for its members. However, the vote in the form of a referendum will take place simultaneously for all health facilities where this is the case FIQ has members, on October 24th and 25th.
There FIQ Recently, the country reduced its demands in the hope of advancing negotiations with Quebec that have been ongoing for several months. The public sector collective agreements expired on March 31, but negotiations began earlier.
The President of the FIQJulie Bouchard reports that her members are fed up. If we announce a strike, it is because we no longer have a choice. Since our working conditions are already unacceptable, the government at the negotiating table is suggesting that we make them even worse.
Interchangeable game pieces
There FIQ is particularly aimed at the mobility and versatility requirements expected of nursing staff, who may have to change health facilities, care units or shifts without much notice in order to fill staffing gaps, according to the interpretation of the state offers.
She criticizes Quebec for wanting to treat nurses this way interchangeable pawns
.
Quebec says it wants to review work organization to ensure better functioning and needs more flexibility.
To reduce the burden, the union organization is also calling for a law to ensure a safe nurse-patient ratio.
There FIQ has already approved the lists of essential services to be maintained in the event of a strike. The Administrative Labor Court issued a series of decisions on this issue last June.
For example, if a strike actually occurs, 100% of the union members must remain on duty in emergency and intensive care services. In most facilities, 70% of services are provided in operating rooms; In subspecialty centers this proportion will increase to 80%.
Award-winning entrepreneur. Baconaholic. Food advocate. Wannabe beer maven. Twitter ninja.