Nine charges have been laid against the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health by the  Ministry of Labour for violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

The charges stem from two incidents in November 2007, leaving open the possibility of further charges based on more recent events.

“Charges of this kind laid against a public hospital are very unusual,” says Warren (Smokey) Thomas, President of the 130,000 member Ontario Public Service Employees Union. “This sends a clear message that it’s about time CAMH clean up its act and provide a safe environment for workers and patients.”

CAMH is expected in court on December 4th.

OPSEU recently placed outdoor ads near the centre calling on the hospital to protect staff from workplace violence. Prophetically, the ads said “it’s the law.”

OPSEU and the Ontario Nurses Association also held a joint press conference October 21st calling on CAMH to do better.

OPSEU is presently conducting member workshops on workplace violence aimed at pressuring employers and government to take meaningful steps in reducing workplace violence.