News

Sherbrooke – Almost a year after the deadline set out in the collective agreement, premiums negotiated for health and social services professionals and technicians still haven’t been fully paid. On Wednesday, the APTS (Alliance du personnel professionnel et technique de la santé et des services sociaux) is demonstrating in Sherbrooke to denounce this unacceptable mess and keep up the pressure on employers.

“We’re marking a sad anniversary today,” said APTS president Robert Comeau. “Having to wait this long to receive payments that were negotiated fair and square is simply unacceptable. Our members are at the end of their rope. These delays show a blatant disregard for the commitments made and for the people who keep the system running every day.”

Premiums unpaid, application errors and unjustified delays in paying retroactive amounts are mounting, prolonging the frustration and uncertainty among professionals and technicians who are still waiting for significant amounts that have been accumulating since last year.

“After all this time, how can people ensure that they’ve actually been paid everything they’re owed?” he added. “It’s a huge mess. Our members are proud to deliver services to the public and expect better treatment from their employers in return.”

These premiums, negotiated in 2023 to recognize the efforts of people working under difficult conditions — such as evening, night and weekend shifts, in CHSLDs, in youth protection, with clients with severe behaviour disorders or psychiatric challenges — are essential for retaining employees and maintaining the quality of services for Quebecers.

The APTS calls on Santé Québec to take responsibility and act immediately to ensure that health and social services institutions meet their obligations. It’s time to pay employees what they’re owed, with interest at the legal rate, and to end this chaotic approach to management once and for all.

The APTS

The APTS (Alliance du personnel professionnel et technique de la santé et des services sociaux) represents more than 68,000 members who play a key role in ensuring that health and social services institutions run smoothly. Our members provide a wide range of services for all Quebecers, including diagnostic, rehabilitation, nutrition, psychosocial intervention, clinical support, and prevention services.