Mr. Boudreau, I am a retired nurse after 35 years of loyal service at the same hospital. I was also a shop steward and president for five years. How can we talk about the nursing profession without addressing the issue of the “sacrosanct union rule” that is seniority?
This key principle is part of our collective agreement, bringing together nearly 80,000 nurses, licensed practical nurses, respiratory therapists and perfusionists. For such a large number of workers, this principle is NECESSARY to avoid favoritism and disputes when granting positions and annual leave. Yes, it takes patience to get the best benefits. Patients are sick 365 days a year. Day and night. It’s part of the chosen profession.
Health employees have only been paid at time and a half on public holidays (Christmas, New Year’s Day and others) for about fifteen years. The nursing profession is, however, an essential service in the same way as that of a firefighter or a police officer, who have been paid double and more for the same holidays for a long time.
It must be believed that the “essential service” of predominantly female positions is not governed by the same rules. Moreover, in times of strike, we must be more numerous in post than in regular time.
This is only one of the elements that led to the withdrawal of the profession. The work overload has added a major layer. Ridiculous bonuses on disadvantage shifts and lousy starting pay are other examples.
20 years ago, I already saw the catastrophe of the lack of personnel that was taking shape and I denounced the carelessness. I was told that there would always be someone to replace the departures, without questioning the reason for these departures.
The voice of doctors
The doctors never supported the demands of the nurses. Now that the lack affects their income, they are a little more vocal.
Today, you, your peers and the Legault government are still trying to find quick and easy solutions to “quickly resolve” the staff shortage.
Nurses have also specialized. Easy solutions obliging them to change department against their will to fill gaps is not a solution, unless they agree to put the lives of patients even more in danger.
You are looking for those responsible, ignoring the real history of the negotiations of collective agreements too often botched by decrees and bludgeoning laws without listening to the real needs expressed by the staff.
Eliminating the principle of seniority would be another step towards discouraging those who have remained faithful to the system. How are you going to reward them?
Yes, it will be long and arduous to solve the shortage. Governments let agencies abuse the system rather than stabilize teams by creating full-time positions.
There is a price to pay.