Unacceptable payment delays: the health minister needs to do something
The Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec–FIQ firmly denounces the payment delays that many healthcare professionals are dealing with. Due to payroll software programming delays, they won’t receive the lump sums on time that are set out in the new collective agreement or the premiums that the Minister of Health and Social Services so proudly boasted to improve staff attraction and retention in the network.
The FIQ representatives, both at the local and provincial level, have agreed to do everything possible to ensure members’ rights are respected and that alternative solutions are considered while the health minister and health network employers scramble to get things done.
“Every day, our members uphold their work contract. They provide quality care to the population, despite extremely difficult working conditions. It is highly abnormal that the providers were unable to modify the payroll service on time. In light of this situation, which seems to be happening across the health network, the FIQ and its affiliated union presidents are going to make sure employers quickly resolve this issue. It is imperative that they implement solutions so that healthcare professionals receive the amounts due. The health minister is accountable and responsible for upholding his commitments. Being paid one’s full salary in exchange for work is a fundamental right in our society.”
Nathalie Levesque, interim President, Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec-FIQ
This situation is unacceptable, especially since payroll service providers are accustomed to measures regarding lump sums and premiums, and they have known about this obligation for weeks, or even months. This lack of respect and recognition for their work is simply unacceptable for this union, which represents over 76,000 nurses, licensed practical nurses, respiratory therapists and clinical perfusionists.
The first lump sum of $0.33 per hour, as provided in the new collective agreement, is supposed to be paid on November 6. No postponement date has been given at this time.