The Quebec government is considering a contingency plan to cope with the swine flu that could force nurses and other health-care workers to work longer hours, CBC News has learned.

In the worst-case scenario being prepared for by the Quebec government, 35 per cent of the population would be hit by the swine flu. (CBC) But, it is a plan that is angering health-care workers who are at the front lines of the battle against the virus, also known as H1N1.

According to the worst-case scenario being studied by the government, 35 per cent of the population would be sick with the flu. More than 30,000 people would require hospitalization, and up to 8,000 could die.

The government's planned response includes the adoption of a cabinet order declaring a "sanitary emergency" which would impose certain working conditions on health-care employees.

"In case of an emergency, we have to take emergency measures — and that is what the order would allow us to do," said Health Minister Yves Bolduc.

But the plan could lead to further problems said Régine Laurent, president of the province's biggest nurses union.

"What were're worried about is that ... it could be badly organized and that people could get sick because they are working too many hours, and too many days in a row," said Laurent.

Nadine Lambert, vice-president of the health-care workers union at the CSN labour federation agreed.

"People don't like to have conditions imposed on them, when we can work together," said Lambert.

Parti Québecois health critic Bernard Drainville said the government should have worked with the health-care workers to draft the plan.Regine Laurent, the president of Quebec's biggest nurses union, says she worries nurses may be overworked and become sick. (CBC)

"We all know that if the second wave [of the flu] is going to strike, we are going to need the nurses very, very badly. So, I think instead of threatening the nurses with [a cabinet order], I think the minister should be living up to his word, and try to come to an agreement with the nurses," said Drainville.

But the premier said the government is simply doing its job.

"It is up to us to establish the conditions under which we can give the vaccinations, and manage a pandemic if it comes to that," said Jean Charest.

Two million doses of the H1N1 vaccine have already been distributed to the provinces.

Vaccination of health-care workers is expected to start next week.

The vaccine is expected to be available to the rest of the population starting Nov. 2.