Quebec paramedics go out on strike

[Link] At 12:01 am this morning, paramedics with the Quebec brotherhood of prehospital workers, FTPQ - CUPE 7300, began a province-wide strike.

The workers, who have been without a contract since March 31, 2024, have denounced the numerous concessions the government has demanded in return for the wage hike owed to them under the terms of the last contract covering April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024. This includes a 6% increase granted to members of Quebec's public service during recent Common Front negotiations.

"Even though the FTPQ has negotiated in good faith since the beginning of talks, we haven't received a firm monetary offer to date. Our members are tired of always getting the short end of the stick in health care. Our role is essential and isn't getting the recognition it deserves. The time has come for us to make our voices heard and step up pressure on government and employer negotiators," said Sébastien Gourre, the provincial president of the FTPQ.

The FTPQ is disappointed with the current pace of bargaining meetings and the unreasonable wage concessions demanded by representatives of the Ministry of Health, the Conseil du trésor and employer associations. Notwithstanding the essential services that paramedics must maintain in the sector, strike action is the only way these workers can make themselves heard and exert pressure on employer representatives.