TORONTO -Ontario hospitals are threatening to fire or discipline their professionals if they participate in the Hospital Emergency Day of Action Feb. 13.
The 5,000 professionals, who provide diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services at 40 hospitals across the province have called for a Day of Action to protest severe staff shortages, workload problems, and low wages in their professions.
OPSEU President Leah Casselman said the hospitals were acting in an autocratic and high-handed manner since the union has already promised to ensure that patient safety is protected during the protests.
At least five hospitals -- including the giant University Health Network in Toronto - have threatened to discipline or fire OPSEU members.
“Why doesn’t the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) put the energy for this intimidation into resolving the shortages of hospital professionals in Ontario?” she asked. “It’s time for the Premier to get involved and tell the OHA the money is there to solve this problem.”
“Intimidation or not, our members will continue to fight to protect patient care in Ontario’s hospitals,” Casselman said.
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For further information:
David Cox: 416-443-8888 (ext 314) or cell 416-788-9197 or dcox@opseu.org
Randy Robinson: 416-448-7441 or cell 416-788-9134 or rrobinson@opseu.org
Katie FitzRandolph: 416-448-7440 or cell 416-788-9057 or kfitzrandolph@opseu.org
