Quebec Health Ministry negotiated in bad faith with unions: Labour tribunal
Major health care unions in Quebec are claiming victory following an Administrative Labour Tribunal (TAT) ruling that states the Health Ministry "negotiated in bad faith" when offering bonuses to employees without consulting union representatives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the ruling, handed down on Tuesday, Judge Myriam Bédard found the Comité patronal de négociation du secteur de la santé et des services sociaux (CPNSSS), "the Government of Quebec -- Direction des relations professionnelles -- Treasury Board and Ministry of Health and Social Services contravened articles 12 and 53 of the Labour Code by obstructing union activities and therefore failing to negotiate in good faith."
The Fédération de la Santé et des Services Sociaux (FSSS-CSN), Fédération de la Santé du Québec (FSQ-CSQ), Fédération Interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec (FIQ), Syndicat Québécois des Employées et Employés de Service (SQEES-FTQ) and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) had filed a complaint with the Tribunal in November 2021.
They denounced the use of ministerial orders and the province's invoking of a state of health emergency to offer bonuses to employees in defiance of their collective agreements.
Most recently, the government announced a $1 billion plan to recruit nurses and more, offering bonuses ranging from $12,000 to $18,000 for full-time work.
However, the unions allege they were not consulted prior to the announcement, and these decisions were made despite the fact that agreements in principle had been reached just a few weeks earlier.
"This government announcement, confirmed in a ministerial order adopted under the guise of a health emergency, is a serious impediment to union activity," Bédard wrote in her decision. "Even if the absence of intention to harm could be demonstrated, which is not the case, it would be necessary to conclude that the government, a seasoned negotiator, could not ignore the consequences."
-- This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Aug. 10, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
'Lots of love, darling': Hundreds of love letters dating back to 1920s up for sale
Hundreds of love letters from decades past are up for grabs, offering a peek into days when pen and ink were conveyors of connection when miles apart.
'It feels like freedom': Why some Albertans like going nude in nature
Few people can say they accidentally purchased a nude beach — but Shelley can. When she saw a piece of land she could fondly remember camping on was up for sale, she inquired about it and ended up purchasing it. She soon found that there were already inhabitants on it.
Five things to know about the NHL playoffs
The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers are both one win away from advancing to the Stanley Cup final.
Is intermittent fasting better than counting calories? Maybe not, but you might stick with it
As weight-loss plans go, it's easy to see the allure of intermittent fasting: Eat what you want, but only during certain windows of time — often just eight hours a day.
Daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt files court petition to remove father's last name
A daughter of actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt filed paperwork to legally remove "Pitt" from her name on the day she turned 18.
Father who killed one-year-old son with axe may be allowed to travel in southwestern Ontario
A Mennonite father who killed his one-year-old son with an axe may be allowed to travel to parts of southern Ontario in the coming months
Tick season is underway in Ontario. Here's how to protect yourself
Tick season is well underway and there is a new species of ticks causing new diseases, which is why you need to take steps to protect yourself.
Two celestial shows will be visible across Canada this week
Canada is getting not one – but two – celestial shows over the next few days. Keep an eye on the sky for the northern lights and parade of planets!