Public sector negotiations – Precariousness, recognition and enhancement, there is work to do to retain staff in the Outaouais, says the CSQ

GATINEAUQC, June 9, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ – “More than ever, in education, college and health, we must bring the essential role of personnel back to the fore. These years of health crisis have enabled Quebecers to take stock of the importance of the various public networks in their daily lives. Now is the time to take care of those who take care of the world! », declared the president of the Centrale des unions du Québec (CSQ), Éric Gingras, on his way to Gatineauat the invitation of the regional coordination of CSQ unions in Outaouais.

Remember that negotiations for the renewal of collective agreements in the public sector will begin next fall in a context that has its share of challenges: return of inflation, reduction in purchasing power, recognition of women’s work and shortage of workforce.

“In Outaouais, there is obviously the question of proximity to theOntario which is also a game-changer when it comes to attracting and retaining staff in our networks, especially in education. In October 2019, the National Assembly adopted a motion aimed precisely at recognizing the particularities of the region in this regard. But two and a half years later, it is clear that these challenges are still present, due to a lack of necessary investment. At the dawn of an election campaign, it seems important to us to remind the government of this,” argues Éric Gingras, adding that, to attract the next generation and retain the expertise of the staff in place, there are not a thousand ways to go about it: this necessarily involves promoting and improving working conditions.

Less precariousness and more equity!

The two co-spokespersons for the regional coordination of CSQ unions in the Outaouais, Mélanie Déziel-Proulx and Guy Croteaualso argue that more attractive jobs are needed.

“Promotion also involves improving working conditions, in particular respecting the professional autonomy of staff and quality jobs that offer a sufficient number of hours, for example. How is it that precariousness is so widespread, particularly in the education network, when we are in the midst of a staff shortage? This is nonsense! Especially since the competition with jobs in the federal public service, just next door, is very strong. A well-known situation for the CSQ unions in the Outaouais, which contributes to aggravating the lack of personnel and to induce pressure and a burden on those who are in office.

The two co-spokespersons add that recognizing the true value of jobs with a very strong female predominance would also be a concrete gesture of promotion.

“Inequities persist despite the many advances since the adoption of the Pay Equity Act 25 years ago. It must be strengthened more than ever so that the thousands of female workers in predominantly female fields, who rightly demand equal pay for work deemed equivalent, finally see their jobs recognized at their fair value. Pay equity needs more than talking about it, it needs to be resolved! All Quebecers will benefit. »

An election fall

With the return of the summer period, the stages of negotiations in education, college and health will begin quickly: consultations, construction and filing of union demands, all against the backdrop of the election campaign.

It should also be noted that the Centrale des unions du Québec (CSQ), the Confederation of National Trade Unions (CSN) and the Federation of Quebec Workers (FTQ) have announced the formation of a common front in order to negotiate with one voice. with the government. Public sector collective agreements will expire in less than a year, on March 31, 2023.

Profile of the CSQ

The CSQ represents nearly 200,000 members, of which approximately 125,000 are education personnel. The CSQ has 11 federations that bring together some 240 affiliated unions; there is also the AREQ (CSQ), the Association of Retired Persons from Education and Other Public Services in Quebec. The CSQ is also present in the health and social services, early childhood education, municipal, recreation, culture, community and communications sectors.

Twitter: CSQ_Central

SOURCECSQ

For further information: Maude Messier, CSQ Press Officer, Cell: 514 213-0770, Email: [email protected]