Quebec Nurses Collective Agreement

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• Jan 24, 2023
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Quebec Nurses Reach New Collective Agreement: Here`s What You Need to Know

After months of negotiations, the Quebec Nurses` Union (FIQ) and the Quebec government have reached a new collective agreement. The deal was announced on June 4, 2021, and is expected to have a significant impact on the working conditions and compensation of thousands of nurses in Quebec.

Here are some key details of the new collective agreement:

1. Salary increases

One of the most significant changes in the new agreement is a salary increase for nurses. According to the FIQ, this increase will range from 11.2% to 15.8% over the course of the three-year agreement. This means that a nurse who was earning $28 per hour before the agreement will now earn $32.50 per hour by the end of the agreement.

2. Improved working conditions

The new agreement also includes several improvements to working conditions for nurses. For example, nurses will now be entitled to a minimum of six consecutive hours of rest between shifts, up from the current four hours. This will help prevent burnout and improve patient care.

Additionally, the new agreement will reduce the number of mandatory overtime hours for nurses from 400 to 250 per year. This will help ensure that nurses have adequate time off to rest and recharge between shifts.

3. More staff

The new agreement also includes provisions for hiring more nursing staff in Quebec. The government has committed to hiring 2,000 additional nurses, which will help alleviate the staffing shortages that have been a significant issue in Quebec hospitals in recent years.

Overall, the new collective agreement is a significant win for Quebec nurses and patients alike. It will help ensure that nurses are compensated fairly for their work and will help improve working conditions and patient care in Quebec hospitals.

As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses have been on the front lines of the fight against the virus. The new collective agreement is a testament to the vital role that nurses play in our healthcare system and is a step towards ensuring that they are valued and supported.