KINGSTON – Workers at the Providence Continuing Care Centre
Mental Health Services, formerly Kingston Psychiatric Hospital, have voted
overwhelmingly to continue being represented by the Ontario Public Service
Employees Union.
Over all, the vote for OPSEU was higher than 97 per cent. Registered
nurses voted to continue in OPSEU by a margin of 93 per cent. For medical
paraprofessionals the margin was 98 per cent, and for office, clerical and
support workers, the margin was 98.5 per cent.
"I don’t imagine there are too many certification votes that
have that strong a base of support, with 80 per cent showing up to vote
during spring break," said Maurice Broadfoot, president of OPSEU
Local 431.
OPSEU had represented the staff at the psychiatric hospital, but lost
the bargaining rights when the hospital was divested from the provincial
government. Members had to re-sign union cards and hold a certification
vote to regain their union.
The next step is a hearing under Bill 136, dealing with the
amalgamation of the former Kingston Psychiatric Hospital and the St.
Mary’s site of PCCC. That hearing, set for April 5, will determine the
bargaining units in the merged hospital. After that there will be a
representation vote to determine which union will represent all the
workers at both sites.
OPSEU represented all staff at KPH, and the paramedical staff at the
PCCC St. Mary’s site. The Ontario Nurses Association represents PCCC St.
Mary’s site nurses and the remainder of the staff are
represented by the St. Mary’s by the Lake Staff Union.
"The level of support for OPSEU in Monday’s vote bodes well for
OPSEU in the upcoming representation vote," said Warren
(Smokey) Thomas, Regional Vice President for OPSEU. "It shows them
that we are strong and mean business, and want a fair deal for
everyone."
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For further information:
Katie FitzRandolph (OPSEU Communications) (416) 448-7440
Warren (Smokey) Thomas (613) 540-4104
