Who will replace the nurse suspended for eating peanut butter toast? In the midst of a staff shortage, the Quebec Interprofessional Health Federation of Montérégie-Est denounces the “excessive” disciplinary measure. “The loss of a nurse is much greater than a slice of bread,” protests its president, Brigitte Petrie.
“Everything flows and the employer spends energy on [une toast au beurre d’arachide] “says M.me Petrie in a phone interview with The Press.
The story told by the Montreal Journal caused a stir on Friday. A nurse at the CHSLD Chevalier-De Lévis in Longueuil was suspended without pay for three days for eating a peanut butter toast intended for residents.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
CHSLD du Chevalier-De Lévis in Longueuil.
In its suspension letter, the Montérégie-Est Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CISSS) describes the employee’s action as a “serious breach of [ses] obligations of loyalty and honesty”.
An “excessive” disciplinary measure which could cost him a precious nurse, deplores the union.
According to Brigitte Petrie, the employee, who has only two years of seniority, “has been very mixed”. “She wonders about her employer,” she says.
The incident dates back to October 2. The nurse, who did not wish to be identified, ate a peanut butter toast available to residents.
The employee maintains that she had a “stomach ache” because she had not had time to eat lunch before arriving at work. She also mentions that she was not aware that the gesture was prohibited.
It was only a month later, on November 3, that she was met by her employer to give her version of the facts. “Surprised and angry”, the nurse had never received a warning, supports the union.
1er December, she received a letter informing her that she will be suspended on December 5, 9 and 11. In the event of a repeat offence, she risks more severe measures, including dismissal.
“Your shortcomings have significant negative consequences both on the reputation of the establishment and on your professional credibility,” it reads.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY BRIGITTE PETRIE
Brigitte Petrie, President of the Quebec Interprofessional Health Federation of Montérégie-Est.
“It’s food that goes in the trash after a few days. There was no bad intention behind that, ”deplores Brigitte Petrie.
Meanwhile, the health network is struggling to keep its head above water. “Emergency rooms are overwhelmed. Everyone does mandatory overtime. It does not work slope “, she lets go.
“The days that she will be suspended, it will perhaps create compulsory overtime for other colleagues,” she denounces.
The union filed a grievance challenging the disciplinary action.
The CISSS refuses to comment
By email, the CISSS de la Montérégie-Est refused to comment on the file “in order to preserve the confidentiality of the employee. »
“We understand the perception that this can leave in a context of labor shortage,” replied publicist Caroline Doucet.
“When problematic situations are reported, we must assess them in their context and in their entirety. We apply sanctions in view of the conclusions and the case law in the matter,” she added.
The union claims to have tried to join the CISSS on Friday, without success.
“We are going to go all the way, but I think the employer would do well to come back [sur sa décision]. There are more pressing issues to deal with,” says Brigitte Petrie.