McGill University Health Centre - Employees vote to mandate six days of strike action

MONTRÉAL, Sept. 29, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - In a secret ballot held by referendum in recent days, employees belonging to the McGill University Health Centre Employees' Union – CSN voted in favour of a bank of six days of rotating strikes, to be used at the appropriate time as part of the Common Front.

The FSSS–CSN union represents paratechnical, auxiliary services and trades personnel as well as office personnel and administrative technicians and professionals. Members voted in favour of the Common Front recommendation in proportions of 88% and 83%, depending on the class of personnel.

According to MUHCEU (FSSS-CSN) president Paul Thomas, workers are exasperated by the government's approach, which combine contempt, unilateralism and dogmatism. In giving their union this strike mandate, they want to send a strong message: this round of bargaining should help improve the quality of life at work, counter privatization and put an end to the impoverishment of public-sector employees. "Employees devote themselves heart and soul all day long to providing the population with quality services. The government's response to our reasonable, legitimate demands is seen as a slap in the face. We want to be respected. We want our contribution to the common good recognized for what it is truly worth."

The FSSS-CSN has made a raise in pay a priority. The federation also has a number of demands aimed at improving the quality of life at work and opposing privatization that don't have any financial impact; some of them could even produce savings.

For now, negotiations continue and various pressure tactics will be used before anyone goes on strike, which remains the ultimate recourse available to workers. If MUHC employees do have to go on strike, it will be in co-ordination with all the union forces joined together in the Common Front.

About the FSSS

The Fédération de la santé et des services sociaux (FSSS-CSN) has close to 130,000 members in the public and private sectors. The FSSS is the largest union organization in the health and social services sector and child care in Québec.

SOURCE Fédération de la santé et des services sociaux (FSSS-CSN)

Jean-Pierre Larche, Information, CSN public sector: 514 605-0757