The union representing construction site nurses at Hydro-Québec, totaling about 40 members, is speaking out against the company’s use of subcontractors for services that their own members are qualified to provide.
Hydro-Québec, a state-owned corporation, and the local branch of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) are currently in a lengthy arbitration process to reach their first collective agreement. The contentious issue of outsourcing is a major point of contention in their negotiations.
The union contends that the decision to hire a private agency instead of utilizing their own members is detrimental to internal expertise, job security, and the overall mission of Hydro-Québec. They express concerns about labor relations, operational safety, worker health, and the responsible use of public funds.
When asked for comment, Hydro-Québec management declined, citing the ongoing arbitration process and the inappropriateness of discussing the union’s demands publicly at this time.
In addition to the outsourcing issue, the union also raises concerns about a poor work environment for the nurses. An external consultant has been brought in to investigate these claims, as tensions escalate between the two parties, leading to involvement by the Administrative Labor Tribunal.
The construction site nurses, who are required to be present on-site when there are at least 25 workers and the site is located more than 30 minutes away from a healthcare facility, face challenges in their unique working conditions.
