The Quebec Nurses Union has voted in favor of a new collective agreement, bringing an end to months of negotiations and potential strike action.
After months of discussions and negotiations, the union representing Quebec’s nurses, FIQ-Syndicat des professionnelles en soins de la Capitale-Nationale, has voted in favor of a new collective agreement. The vote, which took place on Tuesday, saw 92% of members in favor of the new deal.
The new agreement includes a 7.5% salary increase over five years, as well as improved working conditions and benefits for nurses. This comes as a relief for many nurses who have been working tirelessly on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The union’s president, Nancy Bédard, expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, stating that the new agreement recognizes the hard work and dedication of nurses, especially during the pandemic. She also highlighted the importance of addressing the issues of burnout and workload, which were major concerns for nurses.
The Quebec government has also welcomed the news, with Health Minister Christian Dubé stating that the new agreement is a step towards recognizing the essential role of nurses in the healthcare system. He also acknowledged the challenges faced by nurses during the pandemic and expressed his gratitude for their commitment and resilience.
The new collective agreement will cover over 76,000 nurses across the province and is set to take effect on April 1st, 2022. It is expected to cost the government an additional $2.5 billion over the next five years.
This vote marks a significant milestone for Quebec’s nurses and the healthcare system as a whole. With improved working conditions and benefits, nurses can continue to provide high-quality care to patients while feeling valued and supported.
