Another hospital gets it
The board chair and acting chief executive officer of South Muskoka Memorial Hospital have written OHA President David MacKinnon supporting their hospital professionals.
“We have the greatest respect for the skills and integrity of our staff and greatly appreciate the work they do on a daily basis,” said the joint letter from Alexander M. Armstrong and Dr. Ric Humble.
“Our patients consider the people who work in our hospital professional and very caring. The paramedical staff has told us that they will be providing services of the community if OPSEU continues with a job action day on Feb. 13. In any event, the hospital administration and the Board of Trustees understand and support the
need for fair wages that reflect the value of the important work they perform for the people of our area.
The group has been working without a contract since April 1, 2002, and we support OPSEU Local 305’s push for settlement of the contract as soon as possible.”
South Muskoka is not in central bargaining, but it’s waiting for the outcome of central bargaining to set contract benchmarks.
Support from faculty local
Jeff Arbus, president of Local 613 (Sault College faculty) has emailed his members explaining our bargaining situation.
“This round of negotiations goes beyond the individual members and affects health care in our community.
“I am hoping that you will consider joining these fellow union members in their Day of Action. Join them on their information-picket line anytime from 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 13 at the Hospital.
“When you arrive, please identify yourself to the picket captain and mention that you are from Local 613.
“This takes on even more meaning when we consider that we too are in a negotiating year.”
New and improved
A new improved and expanded Q and A is posted on the website. It answers more questions that have come up at meetings.
They’ve been there
Local 1974 of CUPE, at Kingston General Hospital, is telling its members not to do any OPSEU work on Feb. 13.
“You will recall a few years ago we were in the same situation and were forced to take a strike vote. Fortunately our employer and the OHA took us seriously and we were able to reach a settlement for our members.”
The local executive urged its members to drop in on picket lines and offer support.
Need more info?
