March 31 – more than just a symbolic date
Although the collective agreement expires on March 31, 2023, in reality, the working conditions will continue to apply until a new work contract goes into effect – an agreement that all the members will vote on. But, March 31 is anything but a symbolic date.
The expiration of the collective agreement marks a turning point in the right of healthcare professionals to exercise pressure tactics to support their union demands. While negotiations began more than four months ago and show little sign of progress, it’s time to up the pressure. The mobilization that has been underway since the demands were submitted must therefore continue to gain momentum.
Over the coming months, the Administrative Labour Tribunal will give its directions for maintaining essential services. These will be in the form of a percentage (%) of time worked per shift in in each of the care classes. The objective of this exercise is to ensure a balance between the healthcare professionals’ right to strike and protecting the public’s health and safety.
End of the retention premiums
Though it is true that the working conditions are maintained when the collective agreement expires, the government did not see fit to maintain the 3.5% premium that healthcare professionals receive, or the premiums paid in the 24/7 centres of activities for employees working full time (additional 4% for the evening shift and additional 2.5% for the night shift). In fact, they end on March 30, 2023.
The FIQ did not fail to point out to the government its lack of consistency, as it has publicly stated that it is concerned about staff shortages, particularly on evening and night shifts. Despite our repeated demands, they were unable to explain how they were going to retain healthcare professionals while imposing a reduction in salary.
Really, the government says one thing and does the opposite! There’s a limit!
And the negotiations in all this
Negotiations with the government officially started last November. However, discussions are proceeding at a snail’s pace. The government wasted valuable time insisting for weeks that the FIQ participate in its infamous “discussion forum”, and during this time, they made disparaging remarks about union work.
After three negotiation meetings, the parties – the Union and the Employer – have completed a summary explanation of their respective demands.
The real negotiations start now. Your negotiating committee is ready to defend your demands, to agree on quickly applicable solutions!