Relaunch of FIQ nurses-Quebec negotiations: a ‘colossal gap’ between the parties?

While meetings have just resumed between Quebec and the FIQ nurses’ union, following the rejection of the agreement in principle by the members, the FIQ reports that it was told by the government that there was now a ‘colossal gap’ between the parties.

The FIQ presented its demands — which it does not describe as new — in Quebec City on Wednesday, following a tour of its local unions.

They explained why 61 per cent of their members had rejected the agreement in principle and what points needed to be emphasized in the relaunch of these negotiations in order to obtain their approval.

The Fédération Interprofessionnelle de la Santé (FIQ) is now presenting five demands, dealing in particular with the transfer of nurses from care units or institutions, as well as the remuneration of nursing assistants and respiratory therapists at the entry level, compared with that of orderlies.

After submitting its demands to Quebec, the FIQ delivered a short message to its members on Friday: “the management party asked very few questions, but stated that they saw the colossal gap between the parties.”

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Invited to comment on Friday, the Conseil du Trésor did not use the expression ‘colossal gap’ between the parties, which the FIQ attributed to it.

“A reorganization is possible, but our priorities remain,” responded the office of the Chair of the Conseil du trésor, Sonia LeBel.

They confirmed that they are currently analyzing the FIQ’s “new requests” submitted on Wednesday.

And reiterated their position. “Changes are necessary if we want to enable the network to offer quality services and better access to care to the population.”

The FIQ concluded Friday’s message to its members by indicating that “no further negotiation meetings are planned at this time, since the management party will have to conduct an analysis and meet with its team”.

However, the Conseil du trésor confirms that discussions will resume. “Negotiations will continue at the tables. Our team has always been available and will continue to be so.”

The FIQ represents 80,000 nurses, nursing assistants, respiratory therapists and clinical perfusionists in all Quebec healthcare establishments.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews