Quebec Paramedic Strikes Continue as Stage Supervision Bid Fails
Efforts by ambulance companies to designate the supervision of paramedic student internships as an essential service during ongoing strikes have been rejected. The ruling, delivered by the Administrative Labour Tribunal, highlights the limited leverage paramedics have in labor negotiations.
The Dispute Over Stage Supervision
Several ambulance companies across Quebec, including Urgences-santé, sought to add the supervision of student paramedics to the list of essential services that must continue during strikes initiated by three unions: the Fédération de la santé et des services sociaux (FSSS), Travailleurs ambulanciers syndiqués de Beauce (TASBI), and the Fédération du préhospitalier du Québec (FPHQ).
Employers argued that requiring paramedics to supervise interns would delay the entry of new paramedics into the workforce, potentially impacting public health and safety given the current shortage of paramedics. The tribunal disagreed.
Limited Bargaining Power for Paramedics
The tribunal’s decision acknowledges the limited means of pressure available to paramedics, as most of their duties are already considered essential. As the judge noted, the length of strikes in previous collective bargaining agreements demonstrates a power imbalance.
The ruling suggests that ineffective and prolonged strikes negatively impact labor relations within ambulance companies and hinder both the attraction and retention of paramedics.
A Matter of Temporary Delay, Not Permanent Impediment
The tribunal also determined that the employers’ concerns were based on potential, rather than actual, consequences. The judge clarified that any delay in the integration of graduating students into the workforce would be temporary, similar to delays that might occur due to other unforeseen circumstances, such as a strike by college teachers or students.
Companies Involved
Companies involved in the request included Dessercom, Paraxion, Demers, and Urgences-santé. A full list of affected ambulance companies due to the December 24th strike notice includes 9156-9830 Québec Inc. (Ambulance Sacré-Cœur), Ambulance Chouinard inc., Ambulance de Rimouski inc., Ambulance Gilbert (Matane) inc., Ambulance Leblanc inc., and several divisions of Dessercom inc. (Ambulances Berthierville, Drummondville, du Bas-St-François, Kamouraska Est, La Patrie, Louiseville, Lyster, Manseau, Plessisville, Rawdon, and Sylvestre).
Other companies on strike include Ambulances St-Gabriel, Coopérative des paramédics de l’Outaouais, Coopérative des paramédics du Grand-Portage, Corporation ambulancière de Beauce inc. (CAMBI) and its subsidiary Ambulance Michel Crevier inc., Dessercom inc., HRH Services Préhospitaliers inc., Les Ambulances 33-33 inc., Les ambulances Gilles Thibault inc., and Les Entreprises Y….
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of paramedic strikes in Quebec? Paramedic strikes began on December 24, 2025, and are ongoing as of March 12, 2026.
What companies are affected by the strike? A wide range of ambulance companies across Quebec are affected, as detailed in the list above.
What was the tribunal’s decision regarding stage supervision? The tribunal ruled that supervising paramedic student internships is not an essential service and does not need to continue during the strike.
Why did the ambulance companies want stage supervision to be considered essential? They argued it would support address the current shortage of paramedics by ensuring a steady flow of new graduates into the workforce.
What does this ruling mean for the future of paramedic negotiations? It highlights the need to address the power imbalance between paramedics and employers in labor negotiations.
Did you know? The Administrative Labour Tribunal specifically noted the length of previous paramedic strikes as evidence of a challenging bargaining position for paramedics.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about the latest developments in the Quebec paramedic strikes by following news from La Presse and the Tribunal administratif du travail.
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