FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 10, 2004
OFL CONDEMNS ATTEMPTED RAID AT THE OTTAWA HOSPITAL
Ontario Federation of Labour president Wayne Samuelson today sent a strong message to The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC): "Stop raiding!"
PIPSC recently held a card-signing drive and has forced a representation vote May 13-14 at The Ottawa Hospital, where the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) represents more than 2,000 professionals.
"Organizations such as PIPSC, which are not unions, divide the labour movement and weaken the political strength and bargaining power of working people. With Medicare in the balance, it is detrimental to all health care workers (and patients) to have raiding going on in the health care sector," Samuelson said.
"OPSEU has been a tremendous ally in the coalition for public health care. Their hard work to raise the profile of the allied health professions, and expose the staff shortages, has been visible and effective," said Samuelson. "OPSEU is a campaigning union, and strong campaigns mean strength in bargaining. It is crucial for these members
that they retain OPSEU's voice at the table."
OPSEU, representing over 15,000 allied professionals, and about 29,000 health care workers in Ontario, is the only union that bargains centrally on behalf of allied hospital professionals.
"PIPSC and other such organizations should cease and desist from raids on the legitimate labour movement. While the labour movement opposes such tactics, our member unions will not sit idly by and watch these irresponsible attacks by PIPSC. They will respond in kind," Samuelson said. "OPSEU has the full support of the OFL and its members in
this vote."
More Information
Dana Boettger, Communications Director, Ontario Federation of Labour 416.443.7665
Wayne Samuelson, President , Ontario Federation of Labour 416.571.7408 (cellular)
