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
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.