Montréal, 22 May 2025 — Six months after the provincial provisions of the collective agreement were signed, the Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec–FIQ denounced the government’s unacceptable delay in applying the planned measures. The premium payments, expected by April 5, 2025 at the latest, were not made. There has been another failure to comply: the implementation of the unique seniority recognition process, provided for in Letter of Understanding No. 32, has also been delayed due to the employer’s utter lack of preparation.

FIQ President Julie Bouchard is unequivocal: “This is not an oversight, it is a choice not to deliver. And this choice has serious consequences: it deprives our members of recognition of their seniority, has financial, professional and human impacts, and sends a very bad message. The government’s promise seems to have been filed away in a drawer.”

The FIQ was informed of the delays as soon as they were discovered. It learned that the employer had underestimated the scope of the work, making it impossible to implement the unique process within the agreed timeframe. It denounces this inexcusable administrative negligence, especially since the same scenario occurred during the previous agreement, with more than two years of delays in payments.

“This is not the first time we have experienced unjustifiable delays, and it is always our members who pay the price. The government, meanwhile, remains silent. What is even more ironic is that the unique seniority recognition process was Christian Dubé’s idea, to recognize seniority, particularly among agency workers. During the negotiations, the unions were blamed. Yet they are the ones who moved the process forward. And now it is the network blocking everything,” Ms. Bouchard lamented.

The Federation would like to point out that these agreements are the result of lengthy negotiations and represent legal and binding commitments. Failure to comply with these provisions not only jeopardizes the financial rights of healthcare professionals but also undermines the credibility of the negotiation process and labour relations.

In light of this situation, the FIQ has filed a complaint with the Administrative Labour Tribunal (TAT) for obstructing union activities under section 12 of the Labour Code and is seeking punitive damages to sanction these illegal actions and deter any recurrence. A hearing was scheduled for May 27, but the government is using multiple delay tactics to postpone it, including last-minute announcements of premium payments and the hasty rollout of the unique seniority recognition process, clearly to gain time and avoid answering for its failures before the TAT.

“The government must stop treating collective agreements as suggestions. When an agreement is signed, it must be respected, period. Healthcare professionals deserve better than this recurring administrative contempt. They deserve promises that are kept,” said the president.

About the FIQ 

The FIQ represents over 80,000 nurses, licensed practical nurses, respiratory therapists and clinical perfusionists who work in healthcare institutions province wide. It is a feminist organization with a nearly 90% female membership, dedicated to defending its members and patients in the public health network.

For more information:

Philippe Desjardins, Union Consultant, Communication Service
Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec–FIQ
Cell: 581-995-0762