Quebec paramedics 'light years away' from proper deal on compensation, union says
As Quebec asks paramedics to help out in hospitals and CHSLDs, a union representing them says the workers are "light years away" from real wage recognition for their contribution.
The Fraternité des travailleurs du préhospitalier -- a local of the FTQ-affiliated Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) -- represents 900 paramedics in Quebec, outside of Montreal and Laval.
Negotiations on collective agreements with employer associations and the Treasury Board are still ongoing, but the parties are far apart, union vice-president David Gagnon said in an interview Friday.
The union is asking for wage increases, but also for a restructuring of the pay scale, because it believes that the job title is undervalued, given the training requirements, the degree of responsibility, and the judgment required.
He argues that in the health sector, nurses, physicians and orderlies have been getting more than other government employees. With the current offers, "we would be the poor cousins of all of this," he argued.
Other than compensation, "everything else is pretty much settled," he added.
The scope of practice of paramedics is indeed set to expand, as Quebec has announced that it will call on them to help out in hospitals and CHSLDs. Also, in the Montérégie region, a community paramedic project has been launched, which puts more emphasis on their judgment, giving them more responsibility for decisions.
Far from complaining about this, paramedics have been asking for it for years, because they feel their skills are underutilized.
"We're very happy to see our scope of practice expanded. We believe in it, but it's being done with ministerial orders, without real negotiation, and without compensation. We're a little tired of it," said Gagnon.
QUEBEC SEEKING AGREEMENT SOON
For its part, the Treasury Board confirmed that it had "made an offer" to the union.
"We are still in negotiations. We will not comment further at this time," said Florence Plourde, press secretary to Treasury Board President Sonia LeBel.
"Our desire is to reach an agreement quickly' with the unions, she added.
For the moment, the paramedics union is resorting to "means of visibility." But, Gagnon does not rule out getting tougher to increase pressure on ambulance companies and the government, which gives them a subsidy.
"We're starting to think about heavier pressure tactics. We are not taking away the possibility of going on strike. We are an organization that is used to moving quickly, so we are able to get a strike mandate from our locals fairly quickly.
If ever we have to move, we will not hesitate to do so," Gagnon said.
-- This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Oct. 8, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
BREAKING Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.