The recognition of healthcare professionals: at last!
Source: FIQ en Action, Volume 23, number 14
It took 13 months of hard labour, 13 months of mobilization and demonstrations of all kinds, 13 months of various support for the government of Quebec to agree with the arguments of the Federation and for an agreement in principle to be reached between the two parties. This agreement in principle finally recognizes the work, roles, duties and responsibilities of the healthcare professionals working in the Quebec public health network. The FIQ has, once again, demonstrated that it is the best organization to defend the healthcare professionals.
This agreement in principle is an historical moment for the Federation. For the very first time, the respiratory therapists, licensed practical nurses, perfusionists and nurses have brought a common project to negotiate one collective agreement for all the healthcare professionals. The challenge was considerable and the adversary tough, but the determination and patience of the Federation and its members enabled us to win.
When the FIQ left the bargaining table in June because the government was imposing what the other labour organizations had accepted, it took the decision to stand up to the government of Quebec, strong with its 58,000 members. The Federation was convinced that the specificities of the healthcare professionals had to be recognized for its true value. This recognition needed to be worthy of their responsibilities and their contribution in delivering quality care to the population of Quebec. The ensuing agreement in principle proved them right.
Every negotiation is difficult, and this one was no different from the others. However, for each gain torn from the government, it is a new step in the improvement of the working conditions of the members of the Federation. This agreement in principle will not resolve all the problems that healthcare professionals experience, but significant breakthroughs have been made. The many characteristics of the FIQ members have certainly been considered. The strength of diversity of the professionals making up the organization has been the leverage to come to this positive conclusion of the negotiations.
The gains obtained will help us get through the coming years with a little more serenity. However, the fight must go on in order that the situation of respiratory therapists, licensed practical nurses, perfusionists and nurses working in the public health network will continue to improve.
With this agreement, the FIQ can put its name in the history of battles for the improvement of the nursing and cardio-respiratory care professionals. Everyone can be proud of this agreement in principle and the extras it brings for the healthcare professionals.
Régine Laurent, President
IMPORTANT MESSAGE
March 20, 2011
You might have already seen the document from the AQESSS dated March 9 in which the employers are given instructions on Letter of Understanding No 16 concerning the overlap between shifts. The FIQ completely disagrees with the position conveyed in this document. Therefore, an important message, signed by Sylvie Savard, Vice-President responsible for the negotiations, to all its affiliates and to all the local teams. Please read if you have not already done so.
Frequently Asked Questions regarding the new collective agreement
March 8, 2011
Answers to questions regarding the new collective agreement.
Video:
A message from
Vice-President Michèle Boisclair
March 2, 2011
Licensed practical nurses, respiratory therapists, perfusionist and nurses members of the FIQ were right to take the chance of continuing this battle on their own, while all the other labour organizations had accepted agreements in principle.
The FIQ obtained significant, even historic gains, and this new work contract will allow us to get through the coming years more peacefully. However, it must be ensured that the employers will respect it. We must be vigilant and not give in to the bypasses which the employers in the health network will try to take in order to not respect the rights of the healthcare professionals.
We all have the individual and collective responsibility to be respected and this, on a daily basis, as a professional, as a worker and as a woman.
I am supremely confident that together, we will achieve this!
Michèle Boisclair, Vice-President
Video:
A message from
Vice-President Michèle Boisclair
January 27, 2011
1st Vice-President, Michèle Boisclair, speaks to members and union representatives of the FIQ following the referendum on the agreement in principle that took place on January 19 and 20, 2011. Over these two days, in all institutions, the members of the FIQ did something they have not done for a very long time: decide on an agreement in principle. They turned out in large numbers to be heard and at more thant 86% they said yes to this new work contract. The positive results of this referendum therefore brings to a close a long negotiating process that lastedx several months. The respiratory therapists, licensed practical nurses, nurses and perfusionists members of the FIQ can be proud of this agreement and what it gives them.
Press release
January 21, 2011
Members of the FIQ vote in favor of the agreement in principle at 86.4%. (Press release in French)
Information tools on the agreement in principle and the January 19 and 20 referendum
January 13, 2011
Information tools published by the FIQ on the agreement in principle and the January 19 and 20 referendum.
FIQ en Action : information regarding the agreement in principle
November 24, 2010
Poster for the local general assembly
November 21, 2010
Agreement in principle: information flyer
November 21, 2010
Press release
November 19, 2010
The FIQ delegates ratify the agreement in principle by a strong majority. (in French)
Press release
November 14, 2010
Agreement in principle between the FIQ and the Governement of Québec
La détermination et la patience de la Fédération et de ses membres auront permis d'obtenir des gains importants et remarquables
In English : Press conference on YouTube
November 1 and 2 Special Federal Council: schedule modified
October 28, 2010
The November 1 and 2 Special Federal Council will start at 1:30 p.m. on November 1 (registrations start at 12:30 p.m.).
This modification affects lodging and transportation. More information at this address: http://on.fb.me/be6Gwr
The President's Blog
September 28, 2010
Negotiations with the Government: the FIQ is prepared for all possibilities
The recent tour of Quebec health institutions by the members of the Executive Committee of the Federation produced important discussions with the members. What is the current state of the health network? Where are the negotiations at? How do you see things progressing? A number of issues were tackled, thus enabling a better understanding of everyone's concerns.
