Health crisis on North Shore: FIQ prevents its nurses from joining flying teams

The dispute between the Interprofessional Health Federation of Quebec (FIQ) and Gayton Barrett is in its third day, and the health crisis continues, particularly on the North Shore, as information regarding collective bargaining negotiations.

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The former health minister revealed on Wednesday that the FIQ had refused to sign an agreement, parallel to the talks, to allow flying teams from the North Shore to join the short-listed flying teams.

“You can't make it up!” Mr. Barrett shouted during the segment Analysts' Joust on the TVA Nouvelles bulletin at 5 p.m. “I learned that the Government's proposal had been made to do exactly what I suggested, that is to settle the question of obtaining financial benefits, so that the flying teams could operate, and the FIQ refused.”

“When faced with such a crisis that puts people's health at risk, I suggest that the unions and the government sit down and make some kind of alliance. [pour] Arrange flying teams along with discussions,” he said.

The FIQ represents “80,000 nursing members, practical nurses, respiratory therapists and clinical perfusionists working in health institutions across Quebec,” according to data from its site.

As the political analyst noted earlier in the week, the FIQ protects the interests of nearly 95% of nurses working in Quebec.

“I really want the FIQ to be moved by my comments,” said Mr. Barrett continued, “But there, as we speak, the FIQ is refusing to make a gesture that could possibly be resolved. […] Significantly [ou du moins qui] Help bring the crew to the area, but she doesn't want it.

Continuity discussions and the ABTIB model

The FIQ is satisfied that Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubey is implementing initiatives to improve the province's health system.

“We applaud the selection of Mr. Dubey for listening to the solutions suggested by FIQ-SISSAT. After all, healthcare professionals know their area and workplace best! ” wrote union representatives in X on Wednesday. “It would be beneficial to hear what your government has to say in resolving the impasse in the negotiations.”

In its second publication on social media, the union also highlighted the words of the FIQ-SPSCN vice-president of the Charlevoix-Portneuf sector: “What we ask of the government is that he listens to the experts in health care. In their field and have been raising a red flag on the issue of mobility since the beginning of the negotiations,” wrote FIQ in X.

The Health Minister, on his part, informed about visiting the hospital establishments in the western part of the province and discussing with the experts on the ground.

“Yesterday, during my visit to Abitibi-Témiscamingue, I held constructive discussions with the unions of the Abitibi-Témiscamingue Health and Social Services Network (FIQ, CSN and APTS). I thank them for the field information and possible solutions they shared with us,” Mr. Dubey stated this morning.

“During my visit to Val-d'Or, I was able to review the health services in Abitibi-Temiscamingue in the context of the workforce challenges we are facing,” the minister continued in the second publication. “With the gradual arrival of Santé Québec, we will ensure that the best regional practices used in Abitibi-Témiscamingue are applied in other regions, when appropriate, to ensure the transformation of the network and the quality of patient services.