Quebec Reverts to Last December’s Salary Offer – But Wants Higher Compensation for PAB’s

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During Sunday’s daily press conference, Quebec premier François Legault said that one of his goals is to increase the revenue for the patient attendant (PAB/Orderly).

“On remuneration, we have said it from the start, [even] before the crisis, what we want is to increase the wages of patients attendants. It is not easy, currently in Quebec, when we negotiate salary increases, we give the same increase to everyone. But we think, and even more so with the arrival of the check for $ 2,000 a month, do something special for the attendants. So that is part of the discussions with the unions. And I’m going to leave the discussions at the table,” Le Devoir quoted the premier.

The French daily also reported the CSN central in a message to its unions, declared that the government has returned to its offers of December.

“Today, in the midst of a crisis, he is asking us to accept a status quo on working conditions for the next three years and he wishes to complete this important exercise by March 31…” according to Le Devoir. (The collective agreements of Quebec’s public sector employees affected by the negotiations will expire on March 31.)

Quebec treasury board president Christian Dubé responded in December to union salary demands with a counter-offer wage increase for the 550,000 health and social services, education and government organizations employees, of, 1.75 % for each of the first two years, 1.5 % the third year and 1 % for the fourth and 1 % the fifth year.

This would represent on the negotiation table a government offer of 1.75 % for each of the first two years, and 1.5 % in the third year.

Previously, in October, public sector unions had deposited with the Conseil du trésor, their salary demands of $3 per hour the first year, and $1 per hour or 3 per cent per year, (whichever is most advantageous for the employee) for the second and third year of a three year contract.

Healthcare Workers Premiums

The premier did not give specifics or which unions he was referring to, but he did confirm that discussions are underway regarding healthcare workers’ premiums.

“As for premiums, there are discussions currently taking place with the unions, and that is part of the discussions, but there is nothing concluded for the moment,” he said at the press conference.

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