Quebec nurses’ union demanding clarity from province on summer vacations
Posted May 17, 2023 1:55 pm.
Quebec’s health minister says the province’s health network needs to strike a balance between offering good care to patients while also allowing health professionals to take “well-deserved vacation.”
The nearing of the summer holiday period remains a precarious time for the province’s health system.
The Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec (FIQ) – the province’s nurses’ union – is asking Health Minister Christian Dubé for clarity on the summer holiday period. The FIQ is criticizing Dubé of not properly addressing the situation.
The president of the FIQ, Julie Bouchard, says members are worried about the possibility of seeing their vacations cancelled despite being confirmed last month. They also fear they will face an increase in compulsory overtime, or that their requests for leave – other than vacation – will be refused.
According to the FIQ, health professionals are waiting for a plan of action from the province for the summer season, fearing “catastrophe” if no concrete plan is established.
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Les PDG de chaque établissement sont responsables de faire preuve de prévisibilité dans l’organisation du travail de leurs équipes pour assurer une stabilité des soins cet été. Ils doivent le faire en collaboration avec les syndicats pour trouver les meilleures solutions.— Christian Dubé (@cdube_sante) May 17, 2023
In a series of tweets Wednesday, Dubé said the ministry would “not compromise” on striking that proper balance between offering care and allowing vacation time.
“The heads of each establishment are responsible for planning the organization of the work of their teams to ensure stability of care this summer,” Dubé tweeted. “They must do this in collaboration with the unions to find the best solutions.”
Last summer, no restrictions were imposed on nurses regarding the vacation period despite a high occupancy rate in Quebec hospitals.
Bouchard says the Quebec health network never learns and seems caught off guard each summer. She adds the situation is worsening every year.
—With files from La Presse Canadienne
