After weeks of negotiations, the Fédération Interprofessionnelle de la Santé du Québec (FIQ) has accepted the conciliator’s recommendation, effectively ending talks with the Quebec government.
The FIQ, which represents over 76,000 healthcare workers in the province, had been in discussions with the government since October 2020. The main points of contention were working conditions, salaries, and the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The conciliator’s recommendation includes a 5% salary increase over three years, as well as improvements to working conditions and benefits for healthcare workers. The FIQ has stated that this is a significant victory for its members and will help address the ongoing staffing shortages in the healthcare system.
However, the FIQ also expressed disappointment that the government did not address their concerns regarding the pandemic. The union had been calling for better protection for healthcare workers, including access to N95 masks and increased testing.
Despite this, the FIQ has accepted the recommendation and will not be pursuing any further negotiations with the government. The union has also stated that it will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for its members’ rights.
In response, the Quebec government has stated that it is pleased with the outcome and believes the agreement is fair for both parties. Health Minister Christian Dubé has also acknowledged the hard work and dedication of healthcare workers during the pandemic and expressed gratitude for their service.
This decision marks the end of a long and contentious negotiation process between the FIQ and the Quebec government. Both parties have reached a compromise that will benefit healthcare workers and the healthcare system as a whole.
