The cabinet of Health and Senior Citizens Minister Sonia Bélanger responded that the suspension of a nurse for eating peanut butter toast was “not an optimal reaction” in the context of staff shortages. Montérégie-Est’s Interprofessional Health Federation of Quebec (FIQ) denounced an “excessive” disciplinary action on Saturday.
Updated yesterday at 4:21pm.
“Everything flows and the employer expends energy [une toast au beurre d’arachide] said Brigitte Petrie, President of the FIQ Montérégie-Est.
The story, reported by the Journal de Montreal, caused a stir on Friday. A nurse at the CHSLD Chevalier-De Lévis in Longueuil was suspended for three days without pay for eating peanut butter toast intended for residents.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
CHSLD du Chevalier-De Lévis, in Longueuil
In its suspension letter, the Montérégie-Est Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CISSS) describes the employee’s action as a “serious breach of [ses] Loyalty and Honesty Obligations”.
The union regrets an “excessive” disciplinary measure that could cost him a valuable nurse.
Given the labor shortage, this is not an optimal response. We asked the CISSS for an explanation.
Response from the Office of Health and Senior Citizens Minister Sonia Bélanger
According to Ms. Petrie, the two-year-old employee was “very mixed” and “wonders about her employer.” The loss of a nurse is much bigger than a slice of bread,” she says.
The employee claims he didn’t have time for lunch
The incident dates back to October 2nd. The nurse, who asked not to be identified, ate a peanut butter toast that was provided to residents.
The worker says she had a “stomach ache” from not having time to eat lunch before work. She states that she was not aware that the gesture was forbidden.
It wasn’t until a month later, on November 3, that her employer met her to give her her version of the facts. “Surprised and angry” that the nurse never received a warning, supports the union.
On December 1, she received a letter telling her that she would be suspended on December 5, 9 and 11. In the event of a repeat offense, she risks taking tougher measures, up to and including dismissal.
“Your shortcomings have significant negative consequences both for the reputation of the house and for your professional credibility,” it says.
“It’s food that ends up in the trash after a few days. There was no bad intention behind it,” regrets Brigitte Petrie.
Meanwhile, the health network is struggling to stay afloat. “The emergency rooms are overloaded. Everyone works overtime. It doesn’t quite work,” she says.
“On the days when she is suspended, there may be forced overtime for other colleagues,” she denounces.
The union lodged a complaint against the disciplinary measure.
The CISSS declined to comment
By email, the CISSS de la Montérégie-Est refused to comment on the file “to protect the confidentiality of the collaborator”.
“We understand the perception that this can happen in the context of labor shortages,” publicist Caroline Doucet replied.
“When problematic situations are reported, we must assess them in their context and in their entirety. We are imposing sanctions in light of the conclusions and case law on the matter,” she added.
The union claims it tried unsuccessfully to join CISSS on Friday.
“We will go all the way, but I think the employer would do well to come back [sur sa décision]. There are more urgent problems,” says Brigitte Petrie.
With Lila Dussault, La Presse