Hema-Quebec employees go on strike, argue organization does not respect them
Five unions representing workers at Héma-Québec have announced they plan to strike following a lack of action at the negotiating table.
"We're not asking for the moon, we're asking for a real commitment from the employer in a negotiation that's being dragged out unnecessarily," states Simon Poulin, president of the Syndicat des techniciens(nes) de laboratoire d'Héma-Québec and spokesperson for the Syndicats unis.
The unions, representing 500 workers affiliated with the Fédération de la santé et des services sociaux (FSSS-CSN), have sent their strike notices to the Administrative Labour Tribunal, Quebec's labour minister and Héma-Québec.
Three Montreal unions state they will strike on Nov. 30, with two Quebec City unions following suit on Dec. 1.
"If Héma-Québec put as much effort into its labour relations as it does into its public image, we wouldn't be in this situation," said Poulin. "It is quite distressing to see that an organization that takes advantage of all the forums to promote its mission has little regard for the value and work of the employees who enable it to carry out its mission on a daily basis.
He argues the non-profit organization needs to send the "right message to all of its employees."
The unions argue the last salary increase for employees dates back to April 1, 2018 after 42 months of negotiations.
"On the one hand, we have an organization that never stops praising the work of its employees and their essential role, notably on Nov. 17 when the organization received the Medal of the National Assembly," said Poulin. "On the other hand, we, these same employees, are faced with an employer who disrespects us and who is currently making no effort to improve our working conditions."
Previous strike mandates were held on Nov. 8 and 9.
The Syndicats unis of Héma-Québec includes the Syndicat des travailleuses et travailleurs de Héma-Québec (Montréal-CSN), the Syndicat des techniciens(nes) de laboratoire de Héma-Québec (CSN), the Syndicat des assistants techniques de laboratoire de Héma-Québec (CSN), the Syndicat des travailleuses et travailleurs de Héma-Québec (QUÉBEC-CSN) and the Syndicat des infirmières et infirmières auxiliaires de Héma-Québec (QUÉBEC-CSN).
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Poilievre will do 'anything to win,' must condemn Alex Jones endorsement: Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is ramping up his attacks on Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre as he promotes his government's federal budget.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
New evidence challenges the Pentagon's account of a horrific attack as the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan: CNN exclusive
New video evidence uncovered by CNN significantly undermines two Pentagon investigations into an ISIS-K suicide attack outside Kabul airport, during the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
All Alberta wildfires to date in 2024 believed to be human-caused: province
There are 63 wildfires burning in Alberta's forest protection area as of Wednesday morning and seven mutual aid fires, including one in the Municipal District of Peace.
Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
Pilot proposes to flight attendant girlfriend in front of passengers
A Polish pilot proposed to his flight attendant girlfriend during a flight from Warsaw to Krakow, and she said yes.
Ottawa injects another $36M into fund for those seriously injured or killed by vaccines
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Ex-SNC executive sentenced to prison term in bridge bribery case
The RCMP says a former SNC-Lavalin executive has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison in connection with a bribery scheme for a bridge repair contract in Montreal.