Quebec resident doctors ready to strike in 2025, if necessary
The Federation wants its members who so wish to able to benefit from a day of rest after seven consecutive days of work.
The Quebec Federation of Resident Physicians (FMRQ) has expressed its readiness to go on strike if negotiations with the Quebec government over the renewal of its collective agreement remain at an impasse.
In preparation for this possibility, the federation submitted a list of essential services to institutions in mid-November, outlining the services it proposes to maintain. Federation president Dr. Ghassen Soufi stated on Tuesday that they are now awaiting responses from employers.
According to regulations, the Administrative Labour Tribunal must review the adequacy of these essential services, even if both the union and employer reach an agreement.
Key issues in the negotiations include workload and remuneration.
The FMRQ is advocating for its members to have the option of taking a rest day after working seven consecutive days.
Regarding pay, Dr. Soufi explained that the current agreement includes a trailer clause, ensuring that residents receive the same salary increases granted to government employees. However, the government has tied these increases to demands for greater flexibility, predictability, and no reduction in services provided to the population, Dr. Soufi noted.
