The extension of the “COVID premium” until May 14, instead of April 16, was welcomed “but with annoyance” by the trade unions.
Quebec has decided to maintain this measure for an additional month due to the increase in cases and hospitalizations, as the province prepares to face a sixth wave of COVID-19.
Even if they welcome such a decision, the trade union organizations do not hide a kind of annoyance at the absence of permanent solutions to the problems experienced by health and social care personnel.
The Health and Social Services Federation, the Quebec Health Federation, the Quebec Interprofessional Health Federation, the Canadian Union of Public Employees and other unions deplore the fact that they are not consulted by Quebec .
“It is a pity that it takes a possible sixth wave for the government to correct the error of canceling these bonuses, imperfect, but necessary immediately to prevent resignations and breaks in service”, supported by communicated these organizations on Wednesday.
“It must be remembered that these bonuses cause significant disparities between different categories of employees, and that they are even counterproductive in some cases,” they added, calling for a “fair and negotiated” solution.