February 13, 2008
Striking Back: OPSEU hospital professionals
remember the Day of Action
In 2003, OPSEU Hospital Professionals
participated in one of the most courageous actions in the history of this
union, and of the labour movement in Ontario.
In the face of threats of legal action, discipline and other
forms of intimidation HPD members made a strong statement about shortages,
poor pay and intolerable working conditions in the hospital professions.
They raised their profile during a tough round of bargaining.
HPD members mobilized for months, and ultimately stood on
picket lines in below zero temperatures from one end of the province to the
other -- without endangering patient care – generating stories of dedication
and commitment from one end of the province to the other.
On Friday, Feb. 14, 2003, the OHA agreed to terms for
central arbitration for all 40 hospitals.
It was a proud moment in the history of our union – the
Hospital Emergency Day of Action of Feb. 13, 2003.
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