The Minister of Health, Christian Dubé, hit the FIQ “in the jugular” and “poured his anti-union bile” at a press conference he gave in November to try to bring nurses back into the public network, due to the shortage of staff due to COVID-19.
This is what one of the lawyers of the Interprofessional Health Federation (FIQ) requested on Monday in the Administrative Labor Tribunal.
The Tribunal heard the complaint for malicious collusion and obstruction of union activities against the Government of Quebec, based on Ministerial Order 071 and statements by Minister Dubé. The parties have reached the pleading stage.
FIQ criticized the fact that Ministerial Order 071 provided for various bonuses and measures, totaling $ 1 billion, to bring full-time nurses back into the public network, without it talking to unions, which are negotiating agents. These premiums are decided unilaterally by Quebec.
Moreover, at the time, the FIQ had just negotiated the renewal of its collective agreement, with clauses to create more full-time positions. And he was told that there was no more money in the state coffers, that he was looking for what the government could provide.
The FIQ therefore seeks to show that by acting in this way, the government has undermined its credibility with its members, openly attacked it at a press conference, spoke maliciously and obstructed its activities.
Source: Radio-Canada
