FIQ health-care union delegates unanimously reject new contract offer

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Delegates from the Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé (FIQ), representing 80,000 nurses, practical nurses, respiratory therapists and clinical perfusionists, have unanimously rejected a new contract offer from the Quebec government.

“At a time when the health-care network is falling apart, when professionals are sacrificing their physical and mental health to provide patient care, and when the quality of that care is being jeopardized, this proposal demonstrates the government’s lack of respect for a workforce made up mainly of women,” FIQ president Julie Bouchard said.

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Delegates met on Wednesday to analyze the new offer presented by Treasury Board President Sonia LeBel. Last Sunday, Quebec raised its offer from a 9 per cent salary increase over five years to 10.3 per cent. The lump sum of $1,000 for the first year of the contract, a non-recurring amount that was part of the first offer submitted in December 2022, has been maintained.

In addition, the amount equivalent to 2.5% reserved for government priorities, such as differentiated offers related to work organization, has been increased to 3%.

LeBel defended her offer and invited all unions in the public and parapublic sectors to seriously analyze it.

“Yes, we must pay government employees better, but I also have the responsibility to ensure that each dollar from taxpayers’ pockets is maximized and has a long-term impact on our networks, not a temporary effect. That’s why it’s imperative that we address work organization issues,” she said.

In addition to salaries, the FIQ also criticized other requests Quebec addressed to its members, in particular that concerning the flexibility expected of nurses in the face of changes in work shifts, care unit or establishment, depending on the needs.

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In addition to salaries, the FIQ is also critical of other demands made by Quebec to its members, in particular those concerning the flexibility expected of nurses when changing shifts, care units or institutions, as required.

Although LeBel tried to reassure the FIQ by saying that no one would be forced in this respect, the union said this is not what it is hearing at the negotiating table. The union says it was told the government would first look for volunteers, but that if there are none, forced relocation would take place.

Nurses perceive this demand as a lack of recognition of their expertise and experience,” the FIQ said.

The FIQ had already planned two strike days, Nov. 8 and 9, and those plans remain unchanged.

“This strike is made necessary by the government’s inability to listen to the recommendations and demands of the FIQ,” it said.