One central contract - NOW
The OHA says it’s puzzled by our Hospital Emergency Day of Action, because “arbitration is set for March 7.”
That sounds as if we would have a contract March 8. It’s NOT true.
Fact: March 7 is the first scheduled hearing date. Others are March 21, 25, April 1, 2 and 10.
Fact: After the hearings the arbitrator has to write an award before there is a contract. That usually takes months.
Fact: Those hearing dates affect only six hospitals.
Fact: There is nothing in the works for the other 34.
Fact: OPSEU wants one central negotiation with one central way to settle disputes (arbitration). The OHA refuses that. That’s what our Fair Rules Campaign last February was all about.
Fact: Your action a year ago got them to a central bargaining table and forced them to agree that if there was no negotiated settlement, there would be individual arbitrations, but with full rights to compare.
Fact: The OHA won’t agree to apply the arbitration results for the first six hospitals to the other 34.
Fact: It could take years to resolve the contracts for all 40 hospitals. And the result could be many different contracts. When the awards come down for the first six, their terms and conditions will improve. The other 34 will keep the expired contract.
Fact: This will make shortages worse. The first six hospitals will be better able to attract and keep staff. The others will suffer.
Fact: Patient care will suffer in the other 34 hospitals.
Why is this happening?
Because the OHA is being pig headed about the process for bargaining.
And they say they are puzzled?
The solution is quite easy: central bargaining. One fair contract for all. Now.
That’s what the Hospital Emergency Day of Action is all about.
Quick clips ... Quick clips ... Quick clips
Standard-Freeholder
Kathy Mitchell of Local 402: “If the OHA doesn’t return to the bargaining table, we will participate. Of course, we believe patient care is paramount, so we will have members in place who will respond to emergencies.”
The Barrie Examiner
“We’re not being recognized as a vital and important part of the health care umbrella,” said Jacqueline Gibbons of Local 346. “I take my job very seriously.”
The North Bay Nugget
“When people think of the hospital, they think of doctors and nurses,” said Linda McLeod, Local 662 vice-president.
“We want better wages to attract and retain employees, and to alleviate a chronic staff shortage that has members working overtime and on their days off.”
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