CONTRACT TALKS
Time for decisions

Over the past 16 months, there have been no concessions from the Legault government at the bargaining table. In fact, the changes it’s asking for would make the working conditions of APTS members more difficult, and actions to increase pressure on it are becoming more and more frequent.

At this point, it’s up to you to say what methods should be used to put more pressure on the government and get it to change its position. Over the next few weeks, you’ll be asked to vote on a strike mandate for a maximum of 10 days. We've produced documents on government offers and the state of contract talks to help you think about the issue.

A few days before special general assemblies begin in your institutions, you may be interested in the thoughts of the APTS political officer on the government’s strategy in a Bleu APTS article (in French).

What political role should the APTS play?

With 60,000 members, the APTS now has a significant ability to take action. What role should we play in defending our collective rights and building a more just society? As a union, why do we need to strongly defend a public and accessible health and social services system? Join us to discuss these issues at a webinar with Laure Letarte-Lavoie, 4^th APTS vice-president, at 6:30 p.m. on April 8, 2021.

You can sign up for the event via Facebook.

To access the webinar:

Meeting: 950 2509 2818
Passcode: 632039

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
COVID-19 vaccination

The MSSS, unions in the health and social services system, and the ASSTSAS are putting out a joint message on the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19. This is an action that helps fight contamination; as a preventive step, it complements existing measures taken to control infections and prevent transmission. For more information about vaccination, see the following websites (the last one is in English): MSSS, ASSTSAS and CNESST.

The members-only section is now the activist zone

Now that web pages for local unions can be reached via the APTS public website, the members-only section has become a section for people who hold a union position or who are employed by the APTS. To get access, they can click on Activist zone on the bar at the top of the APTS website or go directly to https://membres.aptsq.com/fr/acces-aux-membres.aspx.

ORGANIZATION OF WORK AND PROFESSIONAL ISSUES
Québec's new youth protection director

The APTS looks forward to cooperating with Québec’s new youth protection director, appointed by Minister Lionel Carmant on March 17, 2021, in order to rapidly implement the “recommendactions” expected from the special commission on the rights of children and youth protection (CSDEPJ). The Minister’s decision will resemble the APTS recommendation to create an ombudsperson for children and young people, as long as the youth protection director is given the independence she’ll need to solve problems of personnel retention and attraction. The APTS hopes to meet with Catherine Lemay as soon as possible.

Work overload: severe and widespread

To understand the impact of work overload on our members, we’ve listened to three employees: Nathalie Pépin, social worker in a youth centre; Josée Benoît, dietetics technician: and Marie-Claude Lussier, home care occupational therapist. Ms. Lussier appears in the first video and you’ll be meeting the other two on Facebook over the next few days.

Group insurance rates

Following the 2019 call for bids, it was agreed that changes in group insurance rates would come into force every year in April. Health insurance premiums will go up by 6% on April 1, 2021, while rates will remain unchanged for dental care, life, long-term disability and accidental dismemberment coverage until April 1, 2022.

The SSQ booklet, At a glance, will give you information about the cost of premiums as of April 1, 2021, and you can use the SSQ calculator to calculate your premium. Both of these are available on our new website under Group insurance.

FEMINIST ACTION
Equality at the international level

The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, in session from March 15 to March 26, provides an opportunity for member states to take action in order to achieve equality for women under the guidance of experts and civil society organizations. This year, the consequences of the pandemic are such that the Executive Director of UN Women says it is the most discriminatory crisis we have ever experienced. Greater participation on the part of women, and a greater role for them in decision-making, are needed to meet global challenges and eliminate violence. For more information, see the UN Women website.