Ambulance companies have just failed in their attempt to have the supervision of internships by paramedics recognized as an essential service in the context of the current strikes.
Several ambulance companies across Quebec, as well as Urgences-santé, had appealed to the Administrative Labour Tribunal (TAT) to have the supervision of these internships for CEGEP graduates added to the list of essential services that must be provided during the strikes by three union organizations that have been ongoing for several months.
Employers argued that, in the current context of a shortage of paramedics, this pressure tactic could delay the arrival of new recruits in the labour market, thereby jeopardizing public health and safety.
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However, the Tribunal decided otherwise. “The duration of the strikes will be decisive. If the parties negotiate diligently and in good faith, as required by section 53 of the Labour Code, the dispute could be resolved in time for the internships to resume, making it possible to hire graduates during the summer,” ruled Judge Myriam Bédard.
She points out that paramedics have a limited arsenal of pressure tactics at their disposal, since most of their tasks are considered essential. “It must be acknowledged that paramedics’ bargaining power does not match the importance of their functions to society and that they have few tools at their disposal for negotiation.”
She cites the length of their strikes as proof of this. “The Tribunal, which specializes in labour relations and collective bargaining, is in a position to observe this, if only because of the length of the strikes that occur each time a collective agreement expires. These ineffective and therefore interminable strikes are likely to undermine labour relations in ambulance companies and do not promote the attraction or retention of paramedics.”
She also concludes that the concerns of ambulance companies are only apprehensions at this stage.
“We are only talking here about a delay in the integration of some graduates into the labour market, not a permanent impediment. Many uncertainties can slow down the graduation of graduates. This would also be the case if, for example, a strike by teachers or college students were to occur. All workplaces are dependent on the social situation prevailing at the local, regional, or even national level, which can affect them,” adds Bédard.
The three unions involved are those of the Fédération de la santé et des services sociaux (FSSS), affiliated with the CSN, those of the Travailleurs ambulanciers syndiqués de Beauce (TASBI), and those of the Fédération du préhospitalier du Québec (FPHQ).
Several ambulance companies were applicants, including Dessercom, Paraxion, Demers, and Urgences-santé.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
