The Fraternité des travailleurs et travailleuses du préhospitalier du Québec (FTPQ) has undertaken a process to join the Canadian Union of Public Employees. The FTPQ represents close to 1,000 members scattered through most regions in Quebec and was founded in 2009 by employees wishing to change how trade unionism operated in the pre-hospital sector. It has built its foundations on values such as equity, transparency and solidarity.
“In the context of a major reorganization of emergency pre-hospital care that is currently under way, we are confronted by numerous challenges. Going forward, we are pleased that we will be able to wage these major battles with the assistance of an organization such as CUPE,” declared Benoit Cowell, President of the FTPQ.
According to Marc Ranger, the Director of CUPE Quebec, there is no doubt that the Fraternité will be well received by CUPE, adding that “CUPE and FTPQ are front and centre on several struggles for quality health care and waging similar fights to gain greater recognition for jobs in the system.”
The human dimension of a nearby union such as the FTPQ combined with the resources and expertise of an organization such as CUPE have significantly raised the enthusiasm of members, activists and employees of both organizations.