Quebecers continue to largely support the demands of nurses from the Interprofessional Health Federation (FIQ), according to a Léger survey commissioned by the union ahead of the multi-day strike.
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According to the poll of 1,000 people, a copy of which was obtained by TVA Nouvelles, 72% of Quebecers support the nurses’ strike, including 41% who “fully” support it.
This massive support for the strike can be explained by the respondents’ perception of the work of the nurses. Only 27% of respondents believe working conditions for nurses are “generally good,” compared to 68% of respondents who believe the opposite.
Young people and women are generally more inclined to support caregivers, while seniors and men are less likely to support their demands.
For example, 34% of men think working conditions for nurses are good, compared to 20% of women, Léger data shows.
This data comes from a few days before the start of the four days of strike from December 11th to 14th. Note that because nurses are subject to the Essential Services Act, the strike by nurses is regulated and will result in reductions in services, but may not impact emergency rooms and intensive care units.
The approximately 80,000 nurses, practical nurses, clinical perfusionists and respiratory therapists represented by FIQ have adopted a strike order that could extend to an indefinite strike at the end of October. Their talks with the government failed on several issues, including salaries, work organization and staff mobility.
The FIQ has already held strike days on November 8th and 9th. When they return to the picket line next week, the nurses will join the Common Front, which will strike from December 8th to 14th.