Labour Board rules Day of Action would be illegal strike
The Ontario Labour Relations Board has ruled that some actions planned for Feb. 13 would constitute an illegal strike.
The board issued an order for the union to cease and desist from encouraging or threatening an unlawful strike and listed the penalties available under the legislation.
“Finally the Ontario Hospital Association is taking our members seriously,” said President Leah Casselman.
“Unfortunately the board order does nothing to resolve the underlying problems of short staffing in our hospitals, the lack of people training for these highly technical jobs, or the ever increasing workload.
“We have been trying to address these problems in bargaining for a year now, to no avail.
“We have made an overture to the OHA and the ball is in their court to come back to us. I have great faith that our bargaining teams can bridge the differences between the parties and fashion a solution that will serve the best interests of hospital patients across the province.
“I challenge the OHA to listen to what our members are saying,” she said.
“Our members say that staff shortages are harming patient care. They say they are forced to work through meals and breaks to keep up with normal workloads.
“The hospitals understand the problems. The OHA is a step removed from the day to day emergencies our members deal with,” Casselman said
“We’re still in this to get a settlement.
“We’re waiting to hear from the OHA, and we’re waiting for an opportunity to resolve the issues which have brought us to this point. I don’t believe the OHA would be so irresponsible as to ignore the problems that face hospitals right across this province.
“We have offered a co-operative solution to the current dispute,” she said. “We are ready to talk to the OHA at any time to get this thing settled and help hospital professionals do their work.”
Big banner makes waves
It’s 60 feet long and five feet high.
And it tells our story: Hospital Emergency. Staff shortages put your health at risk.
The giant banner was unveiled on Monday at the Ontario Legislature when President Leah Casselman held a press conference on the hospital situation.
The biggest banner in OPSEU history was captured by several TV cameras, and is scheduled for another public appearance on Thursday. Click here to view pictures
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