The Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN) Raises Concerns Over Quebec Bill Impacting Health and Education Sectors
The CSN, a prominent union in Quebec, is raising alarm bells over a proposed Quebec bill that could potentially diminish occupational health and safety measures in the health and education sectors.
Caroline Senneville, the president of the union, has expressed apprehension about what she calls a potential “two-tier system” that could arise as a result of the bill.
Labor Minister Jean Boulet introduced his proposals for Bill 101, also known as the Act to enhance certain labor laws, in April. During a press briefing, he mentioned that “special rules” would be implemented for the health and education sectors to accommodate their organizational capacities.
However, Senneville contends that the bill excludes these sectors from existing prevention mechanisms available in other high-risk areas. This exclusion could lead to a reduction in the time allocated to union representatives for occupational health and safety prevention activities.
This reduction in time could result in diminished efforts in compiling workplace accident reports, conducting investigations, and providing recommendations by the committees involved.
The Legault government justifies this decision by citing the labor shortage in these sectors. Senneville criticized this approach, stating that it reflects a short-term perspective and could have detrimental effects in the long run.
She highlighted the disparity where private senior residences might have superior prevention measures compared to their public sector counterparts due to differences in resources and mandates.
The CSN chose to voice these concerns at the onset of its National Occupational Health and Safety Week, emphasizing the importance of preventive actions in protecting both physical and mental well-being.
Despite attempts to seek comments from the Ministry of Labor, no response was received at the time of this report.
