The FIQ, which has been on strike again since Monday, revealed that it had made a counter-salary proposal to the government. She was still waiting for the answer Monday morning. And she says she is ready to negotiate during the holidays if necessary.
The FIQ, which represents 80,000 nurses, practical nurses, respiratory therapists and clinical perfusionists, is holding a four-day strike from Monday to Thursday.
The vast majority of health establishments in Quebec are therefore affected, although essential services are provided, in varying proportions depending on the care units.
During a meeting with the press Monday morning, the president of the FIQ, Julie Bouchard, said she believed it was still possible to reach an agreement by the end of the year for the renewal of collective agreements.
“Counter-salary proposal Friday evening. We are still waiting this morning for the management part. So why persist with these decisions when we could be very, very, very quick and say “we want an agreement in principle quickly”? » launched the union leader.
“For us, there is no date. If we have to negotiate during the holiday period, we will do it 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” warned Mme Bouchard.
“And if we don’t succeed, nothing is ruled out, whether it’s a fourth strike sequence, an unlimited general strike or even the request for a conciliator in the case. »
The FIQ has not yet requested the appointment of a conciliator, unlike the inter-union common front, which affirms that his appointment, at its request, created “momentum” in the discussions with Quebec.
However, the FIQ admits that there remain “many pitfalls” in the negotiations with Quebec.
She cited some of these “pitfalls”, such as the organization of working hours and overtime which could be paid at the straight rate when a nurse works for 16 consecutive hours.
The FIQ also criticizes Quebec for wanting to move nurses from care unit, establishment, or even shift, according to its needs — which according to the FIQ is equivalent to denying the expertise of nurses and treating them like pions. But Quebec reminds that it must meet the needs of the population in terms of care, even for unfavorable work shifts.
The FIQ negotiating committee was at the negotiating table on Monday, said Mr.me Bouchard.