Highlights of this INFO NEGO:
After the latest bargaining sessions, an agreement is farther away, rather than closer
So we have initiated a new phase in the mobilization plan, with the launch of the process for determining essential services
The media campaign is continuing
New visibility measures and means of action are in the works
The goal is still to obtain more consideration for our work
Bonjour ,
A possible agreement is farther away
At the last two bargaining sessions, in November, we had the impression we were wasting our time. The government party to the negotiations insisted that the discussions focus on points of detail most often already settled, and, worse still, our counterparts tabled new proposals that would constitute further reductions in pay for members. It is now clear that our opposite numbers are not really familiar with the reality of residency. That becomes especially offensive for those of us on the Negotiating Committee, since for our part we prepare seriously before each session, and try to build proposals that reflect the actual situation in our training sites.
Launch of the process for determining essential services
So we have initiated a new phase in our mobilization plan by submitting essential services agreement proposals aimed at determining the level of human resources to be maintained in the event of a strike. That is legally required in order to prepare for the eventuality of a strike, which will of course have to be preceded by information sessions and votes within each association, early in 2025.
Other elements in the mobilization plan are being prepared
The media campaign launched on Saturday, November 2 continues. You may have seen the first two ads in our media campaign on the role of resident doctors—you can find them on our website and through the FMRQ app. They have been run two weeks in a row in the provincial media, in both hard-copy and electronic versions. A third ad, with more informational content on our members’ real situation, will also be appearing shortly.
In the first two weeks of December, all members will be invited to complete weekly sheets showing their work hours, in anticipation of future pressure tactics. You will be emailed details early in December, and you will be receiving links for sending in your hours (for anonymized compilation) at the end of the weeks of December 2-8 and 9-15. You will also be sent new visibility tools in the coming weeks.
The goal is still to obtain more consideration for our work
Our goal is still to pressure the Quebec government to give its representatives on the management negotiating committee serious mandates. We do not want further constraints on how we take our precious leave, we do not want to pay an additional $2,500 per year in tuition fees, and we do not want any salary rollbacks. What we do want is tangible recognition of the importance of the healthcare we deliver to Quebecers at all hours of the day or night, over very long weeks, for a salary which, when calculated by the hour, is barely higher than the current minimum wage in Quebec.
Let’s stay tuned to our negotiations
Your Negotiating Committee | 
