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
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.