CLSCs Inc.? No thanks! - The APTS denounces the fast-food style of work pace

LONGUEUIL, QC, Oct. 16, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The APTS (Alliance du personnel professionnel et technique de la santé et des services sociaux) held a demonstration today at noon in front of the CLSC René-Cassin, which is affiliated with the CSSS Cavendish. The union denounced the work pace imposed by the home-care 'optimization' plan introduced by the CSSS and outsourced to the private firm Proaction. This assembly-line approach to the work process copied directly from private industry undermines the quality of services and the professional autonomy of personnel.

"Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, physical rehabilitation therapists, social workers and other personnel are fed up with having their professional autonomy reduced by statistical monitoring measures that are cut out for a fast-food restaurant," explained Josée Fréchette, the APTS political officer assigned to this institution. For example, the 'optimization' project forces professional personnel to limit the time for each component of their home-care services. Yet every case is different and requires special attention that may call for more time in some cases and less time in others. "For decent home-care services, it's essential to respect the pace of the individuals being served. An elderly person can't be treated as a task to get over with as quickly as possible," continued Ms. Fréchette. "It's irresponsible and disrespectful to the population we serve. Our CLSCs must not be turned into CLSCs Incorporated."

Members of personnel also have to find time in their already overloaded schedules for meetings with their superior twice a week to report on their statistics. If they don't stick to the prescribed work pace, they face all kinds of criticism and unwarranted pressure. "Imagine the tense climate and unhealthy competition that this pressure to perform creates among the various work teams, and even within a given team," intoned Josée Fréchette. "Since this system was introduced, a number of employees have reported feeling discouraged and wanting to quit. What will it take before management reacts?"

The APTS is calling on the CSSS Cavendish to put an end to this project. "The population, and in particular the elderly population, deserves to receive quality services," concluded Ms. Fréchette.

The APTS

The APTS is a Québec union representing 29,000 professionals and technicians in the health and social services sector, including medical technologists, recreation technicians, medical records archivists, radiology technologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, physical rehabilitation therapists, social workers, psychologists, dietetics technicians, dietitians and spiritual care workers.

SOURCE: ALLIANCE DU PERSONNEL PROFESSIONNEL ET TECHNIQUE DE LA SANTE ET DES SERVICES SOCIAUX (APTS)

Francis Boucher, APTS communications advisor
Telephone: [phone] (cell.)