FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  October 3, 2000

VON nurses accept contract

TORONTO – About 200 nurses, members of Ontario Public Service Employees Union Local 269, have ratified a two-year collective agreement ending a 33-day strike against the Hamilton-Wentworth Victorian Order of Nurses.

The tentative settlement was ratified by 92 per cent Monday evening, ending a strike that began Aug. 31. "It’s been a long 33 days," said Local 269 president Lois Boggs.

She said nurses will see increases of more than six per cent, starting with 2 per cent retroactive to April 1, 2000, another 2 per cent Oct. 1, 2000, and a third 2 per cent April 1, 2001. "It’s the first raise we have had in 10 years, and while it is not parity with hospital nurses, it is a good start," she said.

Mileage rates double to 30 cents a kilometer, and the dental plan moves to current Ontario Dental Association rates from 1990 levels.

The nurses also achieved scheduling improvements, job sharing language, and other gains.

"We will continue fighting for wage parity with hospitals," Boggs said.

"Our members are so proud of themselves. They are proud that someone is noticing what is happening to health care in the community. They have stirred public awareness, and that is great."

Meanwhile, OPSEU members who work for Hamilton’s Community Care Access Centre are poised to walk out Oct. 10 in an effort to bring their wage rates to the level of CCACs in surrounding municipalities.

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For further information:

Lois Boggs – Strike headquarters (905) 318-0269 or cell (905) 541-5212
Katie FitzRandolph (OPSEU Communications) (416) 448-7440