A gap still separates the main nurses’ union and the Legault government, despite months of negotiations and a threat of strike at the start of the year. If the question of class composition is the main bone in the FAE indefinite teachers’ strike, here is a summary of what separates the parties in the health field.
• Read also: The FIQ will not “give in” on the “flexibility” demanded by Quebec
12.7% over 5 years or 20% over 4 years?
In its most recent proposal, Quebec offers a 12.7% salary increase over five years. We are a long way from the 20% over four years demanded by the Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec (FIQ).
The union is demanding a 6% salary upgrade effective from 1er last April, then increases of 4% for the years 2023 and 2024, followed by increases of 3% the following two years.
And if ever the increase in the cost of living exceeds this increase, the FIQ demands that salaries follow inflation.
Return of a bonus, increased
In addition, the union is also demanding an increase from 3.5% to 6% of the recognition bonus paid until recently to nursing and cardiorespiratory care staff.
But last October, Quebec withdrew this bonus. The Treasury Board considered that this was a temporary bonus to recognize the work of nurses in resuming activities after the pandemic. The FIQ instead saw it as differentiated remuneration in order to attract and retain nursing staff.
Salary increased by 50% on weekends
Working on weekends in the health network should entitle you to a salary increased by 50%, believes the FIQ.
For the moment, a nurse instead obtains a bonus of 4% or 8%, depending on the situation.
While recognizing that the request is important, the president of the FIQ, Julie Bouchard, affirmed at the beginning of December that she intended to maintain it “until the end”.
Extra time
According to the FIQ, Quebec requires that, from now on, only hours worked beyond 37.5 hours per week be paid as overtime, at double time. Thus, a nurse who stays for a second evening shift would be paid at the straight rate, if the cumulative hours do not exceed a normal work week.
The union is demanding that overtime be paid at double time or time and a half in addition to accumulating leave.
Quebec asks for more flexibility
The Legault government recognizes that negotiations are more difficult in the health sector. “There is almost no openness to give us the flexibility that is absolutely necessary to improve health services. So, on that side, I think things will be better in January,” Prime Minister François Legault recently declared.
According to the president of the Treasury Board, Sonia LeBel, the FIQ’s requests are “unrealistic” and would require adding “thousands and thousands of employees in the health field.”