More paramedic unions across Quebec issue strike mandate

Following Urgences-santé, other paramedic unions have just issued strike mandates.

The Fédération de la santé et des services sociaux (FSSS), affiliated with the CSN, announced Thursday that its unions voted 99 per cent in favor of an unlimited strike mandate, to be launched at the appropriate time.

These paramedics are employed by cooperatives or private companies in the ambulance sector in several regions of Quebec.

In the event of a strike, given that this is a critical sector, essential services are highly complex by nature. Thus, patient transportation is ensured, as is transportation between healthcare facilities.

In the past, for example, pressure tactics have mainly targeted administrative staff, such as requiring forms to be completed, changes to the uniform worn, or stickers affixed to vehicles.

In any case, the Administrative Labor Tribunal must decide whether the essential services offered are sufficient to ensure public health and safety.

The collective agreements expired on March 31, 2023.

The dispute concerns salary increases, working hours related to overtime, and the pension plan, according to the union.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews