“Organizational Changes in Quebec Health Network Leads to Mass Resignations of Nurses”

Some 70 nurses have resigned over the past three months in the Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec health network, where several organizational changes have been denounced, TVA Nouvelles has learned.

The workers have been denouncing for months the CIUSSS’s desire to impose compulsory work on weekends, as well as merger projects and the partial closures envisaged this summer.

In doing so, since February 1 and until May 1, the announcement of the new measures prompted 70 nurses to resign. For this same period, 39 nurses were on long-term sick leave, according to data obtained by TVA Nouvelles thanks to the Access to Information Act.

Moreover, the compulsory weekends have started in Trois-Rivières. Home care nurses are affected. A threat of suspension hovers for those who do not return to work. A doctor’s note would be required to justify sick leave on weekends, according to comments made by a manager.

The CIUSSS has confirmed that an employee who does not report to work must explain the reason for his absence, in order to ensure the safe provision of care.

Compulsory weekends for home nurses are seen as nonsense while the specialists they work with are on leave.

Tuesday morning, the nurses made another splash. A “surprise” demonstration went in front of the offices of the senior management of the CIUSSS where a banner and signs were installed to express their fed up.

The closed attitude of the employer is denounced and also the appearance of many compound positions where the nurses who apply will be called upon to work in more than one center of activity.

The nurses intend to make their voices heard this week. Other means of pressure are to come.