For many Quebeckers, the summer heat signals vacation and rest. Meanwhile, for many healthcare professionals, summer vacation is no longer enough to rest and recharge after months and months of hard work in a health network teetering on the edge of collapse. Nurses, licensed practical nurses, respiratory therapists and clinical perfusionists, I hear your pleas: No more! This ship’s about to sink! You’re absolutely right!…

The FIQ-Syndicat des professionnelles en soins des Cantons-de-l’Est (FIQ-SPSCE) held a press conference today to denounce the abusive use of overtime and mandatory overtime throughout the CIUSSS Estrie – CHUS, but especially in the maternity and neonatology department at the CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS. Despite having held several meetings with FIQ-SPSCE representatives and the employer party since April, the situation has not improved. Healthcare professionals still have to…

The FIQ and FIQP applaud the announcement to give additional funding to the Coopérative de solidarité SABSA but hopes the Quebec government will soon secure permanent funding for the clinic. By granting this funding, Health Minister Danielle McCann is showing recognition for healthcare professionals’ contribution and expertise. These funds will enable the clinic to continue providing healthcare to a vulnerable and marginalized segment of the…

On July 10, the Quebec government sent health institution management information about a summer incentive measure for clinical staff in the health network. In short, the government will offer nurses and licensed practical nurses $75 for each full shift completed after a second consecutive weekend. What’s more, the measure comes with several conditions. The Federation feels this measure is an inadequate response to what’s going…

There is an undeniable work overload at the Mother-Child-Family-Pediatric department in the Hôpital Honoré-Mercier in Saint- Hyacinthe. The resource person’s report, submitted on July 3, is clear: all the criteria for a work overload are met for day, night and evening shifts. The mediator was called to sit after the work of the Committee on Care (formed in 2016) came to a standstill, and made…

The FIQ and FIQ – Syndicat des professionnelles en soins de santé de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal’s ongoing battle at the CHSLD Denis-Benjamin-Viger begins a new legal round. The Court of Appeal welcomes the union’s request to appeal Judge St-Pierre’s decision, rendered on April 11, which partially overturned an arbitration decision rendered in April 2018 ordering the employer to schedule enough staff to provide safe, quality care in…