Already affected by a shortage of staff, the hospitals of the East of Montreal could accumulate the resignations of nurses who live on the South Shore and who will be discouraged by the congestion of the bridge-tunnel.

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“We are in such a precarious situation. Only 2% of nurses who will make the move (to leave), it will be catastrophic at the stage where we are, ”admits Denis Cloutier, president of the union of the Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec (FIQ) of the Integrated University Center of health and social services (CIUSSS) of the East-of-the-Island-of-Montreal.

Between 20% and 25% of CIUSSS employees live on the South Shore of Montreal, estimates the union. For the FIQ, this represents at least 1,000 employees. Most work at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, at the University Institute of Mental Health, or in CHSLDs.

Already, the union has noticed that several employees are considering leaving for a job on the South Shore.

Forget telecommuting

“For many, it remains abstract until they have experienced and realized it from home. Will 200 quit? I can't say,” says Mr. Cloutier.

The CIUSSS says it has met with employees who live on the South Shore, and has proposed flexibility measures. Public transport options were also suggested.

However, teleworking does not apply to nurses. Given the atypical schedules and overtime, it is unthinkable to take the bus or carpool, believes the union.

" A utopia "

“Public transit is a utopia,” says Mr. Cloutier.

Separately, the nurses will soon be reaching the end of a one-year contract with a $15,000 bonus. Many are waiting until the end of this year to change employers without financial penalty or to retire.

"People say: When the contract is over, I'm leaving. It's as scary as the tunnel,” says Mr. Cloutier.