Equality is also a matter of money
We all know the saying, “money doesn’t buy happiness!” Except that…well, a financially savvy woman is two steps ahead, and when it comes to finances, there’s always more to learn.
And so, the 160 FIQ and FIQP union reps attending the Women’s Network on October 22 and 23, 2019, explored the theme “Equality is also a matter of money.”
“As healthcare professionals, common beliefs about our vocation or about giving of oneself selflessly, are harmful on several levels, they undermine the true value of our work,” said Shirley Dorismond, Vice-President and Joint Officer for the Status of Women Sector. “Some of us also work part-time and most healthcare professionals find themselves forced to do mandatory overtime. What are the actual consequences of all of this on our finances? On our retirement planning?”
As the union reps attended conferences about income inequality and divided gender lines in the public sector, retirement planning and finances in relationships, they were able to broach these topics openly, without holding back. More than ever, women’s relationship with money is a personal, societal and union issue.
“We need to take charge of our money individually and collectively because no one is going to do it for us,” added FIQ President and Joint Officer for the Status of Women Sector, Nancy Bédard. “During this period of negotiations, we are all aware that money is a crucial issue. Salary and retirement are two very hot topics in the APTS-FIQ alliance’s intersectoral demands.”
During the Network, the union reps also took part in playful and educational workshops about personal finance, which taught them things that they have promised to share with their colleagues.