The union of the paramedics called to the good faith of the patrons

Pierre-Paul Biron

Tuesday, January 16, 2018 21:40

UPDATE
Tuesday, January 16, 2018 21:46

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The Federation of employees of the prehospital du Québec (FPHQ) has had enough “that one does not tell the truth” in its negotiations with the ambulance companies, and calls on the employers ‘ side to negotiate in good faith to settle once and for all the conflict.

The union that represents more than 1,500 workers in the sector ems was enough to see that folder lying around since the end of the work contract in 2015. Caught between the minister of Health Gaétan Barrette says the two parties have everything in hand to negotiate and the employer who claims to have their hands tied, and the union wishes to have the right time.

“What we had up until now as the discussion has always been a no-go. We are told to have no margin of maneuver, but the minister says that the employer can do what he wants within a certain envelope. Somewhere, someone is not in good faith and is not telling the truth,” said the president of the FPHQ, Daniel Chouinard, who deplores the lack of flexibility of the employer.

Pay talks

Knowing very well that the Corporation of ambulance services of Quebec (CSAQ) hangs on the aspect of wage negotiations, the union says it is ready to modulate the increases differently. After several months of cul-de-sac, the president is now calling for creativity.

“We are ready to move to the percentages, to the canner otherwise to give more leeway to employers at the end of the service contract, at the time of the renegotiation of the service contract with the government,” said Mr. Chouinard.

For the rest of the elements of the negotiations, the union claims to be on the right track and hope therefore a quick resolution. “The normative level, there are only a few commas to attach. It worked very well. The dispute revolves around the money.”

Means of pressure

Daniel Chouinard emphasizes that the involvement of next of a mediator to the case could foster the reconciliation of the two parties. Ready “to give a chance to negotiation,” the president warns, however, that his union will intensify the pressure tactics if the employer does not cooperate more.

“If there continues to be a problem at a closing, it will have to do something. […] We will not enter the breaststroke-comrade, and destruction of property. There may be a few events to remind citizens that we are always in conflict,” said Daniel Chouinard.

Measures which do not impact on patients directly could also be put in place, such as the recovery of “priority 8”. “Considering the start to do it because it would increase the number of call, and bills to track so they can get paid”, suggests the president, recalling that no invoice is currently filled by its members as a means of pressure.