The Federation of Health and Social Services (FSSS-CSN) is concerned that the government wants to move forward with the return to work of asymptomatic staff who have been in contact with cases or are infected in the network. To successfully cope with the Omicron variant, the priority must be to do everything to properly protect the personnel.
Infections are increasing at a significant rate, which is cause for concern, especially with regard to the increase in hospitalizations. But rather than run the risk of increasing infections in the network, the FSSS-CSN invites the government to implement the measures it has been calling for several months. Staff screening must be done in establishments, staff travel must be stopped, teams must be stabilized, uniforms must be provided and ventilation in establishments must be focused. With regard to the wearing of personal protective equipment, it is the numerous union interventions that have led to the strengthening of respiratory protection in healthcare settings by the CNESST.
The FSSS-CSN has also called on the CNESST today to express its concerns about the return to work of asymptomatic infected staff. The FSSS-CSN also recalls that infected workers are subject to an administrative presumption, allowing them to be recognized by the CNESST rather than in salary insurance, as a result of which employers are called upon to manage the entire process. health workers who are positive for COVID-19 towards this remedy.
“The network is not prepared to face the risks of the government’s decision to bring asymptomatic infected staff back to work. Right now, we are not even able to test staff in their workplace. Poor management of the pandemic once again puts network personnel at risk and consequently patients, who are all the more vulnerable. What is needed is to put everything in place to properly protect those who take care of the population, ”explains Réjean Leclerc, President of the FSSS-CSN.
Other solutions exist
The health and social services network remains fragile after months of fighting the pandemic. By deciding to always act alone by imposing ministerial decrees, the government is missing out on many opportunities to implement solutions to attract and retain network personnel.
“The government must take note that management by decree does not work. Network workers have been at the front lines for months. They have several solutions to offer to make things better. There still has to be a listening ear from the government, ”concludes Réjean Leclerc.
About the FSSS-CSN
The Federation of Health and Social Services (FSSS-CSN) has more than 120,000 members in the public and private sectors, including more than 100,000 from the public health and social services network, throughout Quebec, in all categories of personnel. The FSSS is the largest union organization in the health and social services sector and in day care services. The FSSS-CSN acts in favor of a more equitable, more democratic and more united society.
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