January 2, 2012

When we don’t need a service, we often don’t even realize that it exists. It is the same for the services of representation in occupational health and safety (OHS) offered by the FIQ to its members through its OHS team.

Normally, the healthcare professional member contacts her local union team when the CSST refuses her claim or informs her that a contestation has been filed by the employer in her case.

Then the local union team informs the member about the services offered by the FIQ in such circumstances and about the process with regards to the path her case will take at the CSST. The union team will contact the FIQ OHS team secretary as soon as possible so that one of its lawyers can take charge of the file of the member concerned regarding the disputed issues. In addition to this, the OHS officer on the local team will continue to offer support and send all pertinent information to the member.

The FIQ OHS team is composed of experienced lawyers who are devoted exclusively to the defence of the members of the Federation with an occupational health and safety dispute. This team has developed a significant expertise over the years regarding, among others, work accidents, occupational diseases and protective reassignment of the pregnant or breast-feeding worker. The FIQ lawyer, being your representative, can negotiate a settlement satisfactory to you, your employer and the CSST, if applicable, or still, prepare the case for a hearing and defend you before the Commission des lésions professionnelles. She will always discuss the different issues with you and will not make any decision without your consent. She will always act to protect all your interests and help you to make the best decision.

Your local, regional and federal union representatives as well as the FIQ OHS team lawyers are proud to offer this service of representing the members in OHS cases without charging the members any fees. Indeed, it is the union dues paid by all the members which cover the costs. These services are worth their weight in gold.

In return, the FIQ asks the member who benefits from the services of a lawyer from the OHS team to cooperate fully with her, in particular in obtaining the documents that the lawyer considers useful for defending the case. Thus, the lawyer will be able to adequately represent the member concerned and to ensure her a full and complete defence in resolving the dispute in the best interests of the member.

Do you know ?