The labor minister refuses to play mediator and get involved in the nurses’ dispute, instead inviting the two parties to continue the dialogue, he said at a meeting with the union on Friday morning.
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“It’s not my role to be a mediator. There is senior management and people specialized in human resources, there is a union. And these parties have industrial relations committees. You can communicate and exchange ideas. I constantly invite the parties to dialogue,” explained Jean Boulet, who is also Regional Minister for Mauricie.
In his office in Trois-Rivières this morning, the minister listened to the concerns of the regional president of the FIQ. This was the first meeting since mandatory weekends were announced.
“I will remain alert and close to this file. It is extremely important for me to reassure the population that the CIUSSS remains committed to providing quality care in sufficient quantities and to providing nurses with healthy and safe working conditions,” he continued.
For their part, the nurses are demanding openness from the CEO of the CIUSSS.
On Friday, FIQ Minister Jean Boulet presented a petition with 10,000 signatures: impressive support in trying to slow down the CIUSSS de la Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec in its internal reform plan.
“We have no leeway. We want to negotiate and find other solutions. But when we’re told that the solution is already gone and we won’t back down… that’s the mergers. It’s difficult to communicate,” criticized Patricia Mailhot, regional president of the FIQ.
The union is demanding more openness from management.
“We have to settle this conflict, I agree, but both parties have to be open,” stressed Patricia Mailhot.
The regional minister reiterated that this is not a government policy.
The union will meet with CUSSS management on Monday.