Nurses union

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CARLETON-SUR-MER – Delegates from the Eastern Quebec Nurses, Nursing Assistants, and Respiratory Therapists Union have re-elected Pier-Luc Bujold as union president for a third three-year term.

Mr. Bujold was first elected in 2017 following the departure of Micheline Barriault, who led the union for nearly 30 years.

“We are committed to continuity and to improving the services we provide. We know we are doing a good job, but we want to continue over the next three years,” says Mr. Bujold.

Delegates concluded a three-day convention in Carleton-sur-Mer on June 12.

“We are taking stock of the situation and need to be united, as the CAQ (Coalition Avenir Québec) government is governing with Bill 89, Bill 100, and Bill 101, which could have a major impact on the members we represent in the coming years,” concluded the president following discussions with the union delegates.

The union criticizes the government for not consulting the public before putting its bills on the table. “There are specific characteristics in the Gaspé Peninsula that must always be taken into account. There are important issues for workers under Bill 101. There are many injuries and absences from work. There is a direct impact on the quality and quantity of care provided to the public. The impact of these bills on workers should not be minimized,” notes Mr. Bujold.

Following discussions with delegates, action plans will be developed for future action in the field.
With the CISSS needing to find $20 million to meet the budgetary framework provided by Santé Québec, the union foresees difficult times ahead.

“The announced initial cut of $40 million has had an impact. There have been job cuts and service reductions, even though services are already minimal,” notes the president, who makes a proposal. “In our action plan, we have added campaigning to restore local services in CLSCs. We have a dispersed population. There are too many horror stories of people not receiving care, especially home care,” says Mr. Bujold.

According to him, the next few years will remain difficult, but he sees a light at the end of the tunnel.
“The population, as we can see in surveys, is becoming increasingly critical of everything the government is doing with regard to public services. I see Gaspesians who care about their local services. If we are united, we could see the light at the end of the tunnel,” believes the union leader.