The Act respecting occupational health and safety stipulates that nurses must be hired for most worksites that are far away from major centres. However, were you aware the absence of these health care professionals on site can force these worksites to shut down?
Members of SIICHQ, the union representing Hydro-Québec worksite nurses, are seeking their first collective agreement. With the strike mandate they already have in hand, several worksites could be affected.
“No nurses means no worksites! We want a good contract, just like most HQ employees. In exchange for our services, we deserve the same protections that thousands of Hydro-Québec employees have thanks to a good collective agreement,” explained SIICHQ president Frédéric Turcotte.
The SIICHQ, in cooperation with CUPE, has launched a campaign that explains and celebrates the little-known role of these indispensable workers.
Without them, there are no dams or no major worksites in Northern Quebec. They are on site to serve those who build the world-class Hydro-Québec hydroelectric networks.
The local has a video available at https://youtu.be/Dhwq8XVt9z8 along with Facebook and on Instagram posts to help these workers obtain working conditions commensurate with their importance and expertise.