Are unions just a bunch of complainers?

Playing your political role is not complaining!

Is it possible to improve working conditions for healthcare professionals without getting involved in politics? When a bill reforms the healthcare system, when budgetary decisions slash funding for care and services, or when political decisions have an impact on the working conditions of its members, can the union simply stand idly by? To ask the question is to answer it!

To improve things, we must first identify the problems (some people might call this whining). We must highlight the issues, criticize policies that will have negative effects, and demand change.

For several years now, attempts have been made to reduce the role of unions to its most basic form: negotiating a collective agreement and ensuring that members’ rights are upheld. While this does indeed account for the bulk of their work, limiting their role in this way means depriving ourselves of a powerful tool: collective strength.

Healthcare professionals are best placed to identify solutions to improve the healthcare system, and it is by coming together – through the union – that these solutions are most likely to be heard. That is where our real power lies to drive society forward and counterbalance the unfair decisions of policymakers!

Highlights:

• We are the FIQ! 90,000 healthcare professionals who mobilize to demand change.
• Gains: paid days off, occupational health and safety standards, public funding of the health network, withdrawal of independent labour, and many others!
• Our leverage: demonstrations, awareness-raising campaigns, marches, strikes, petitions, etc.

Political representation

Let’s not kid ourselves: unions do not have the resources to engage in intensive lobbying in the same way as employers and large multinationals. However, there are still forums where they can make their voices heard and influence legislation before it is passed. There are blind spots that need to be brought to the attention of legislators!

So yes, the unions are critical, but you can’t say they don’t propose solutions! Since 2021, the FIQ has submitted 35 briefs and statements to the National Assembly, documents that analyze bills and propose solutions to improve them. The topics of these briefs and statements vary: home care, field of practice, budget, vaccination, bargaining system, telemedicine, violence, etc.

For example:

1. Introduction of a bill
2. Analysis of the impact on members, the health network and public finances
3. Preparation of a statement or brief
4. Presentation to a parliamentary committee
5. Amendments and adoption of the bill

Information for members

Don’t worry, during an election campaign, it is not a union’s role to tell its members who to vote for.

The FIQ analyzes the political parties’ platforms through the lens of healthcare professionals’ interests so that everyone can make an informed decision. It creates an electoral kit that takes into account issues like access to front-line services, work overload, safe ratios, the private sector in health care, and changes related to Santé Québec. Issues that affect us every day.

Promises:

Fiscal discipline + private-sector partnerships in healthcare = negative effects on the network

Promotion of public services + tax measures to redistribute wealth = positive effects on the network

Social justice

Who profits from inequalities? Definitely not healthcare professionals! Access to affordable housing, a decent income, quality public education and a healthy environment impacts the health of a population and in turn our work. Showing solidarity with causes that don’t personally affect us is essential: that is how we can create a collective movement for equality and equity.

Strength in unity!