RICHMOND HILL: Members of Ontario Public Service Employees Union Local 374 have filed unfair labour practices charges against York Central Hospital after 76 layoff notices were issued, disrupting the working conditions of 370 service employees at YCH.
The union says that the elimination of personal care assistants who wash, change and feed patients will harm patient care and have a ripple effect on health and safety in the hospital, as well.
"These cuts only affecting the bargaining unit - the lowest-paid workers at the hospital -- nobody else," said Donna Hessler, president of the union local.
By contrast, the union says eight top administrators have received raises totaling $104,000.
The service employees at YCH voted to join OPSEU Nov. 1. The union alleges the layoffs and subsequent bumping have violated the "freeze" provisions in the Labour Relations Act, under which the employer cannot change conditions of work before a first collective agreement is signed.
"Last year with SARS, hospital support staff were heroes, as we defended our community against a deadly disease," said Hessler. "Now management is attacking us, but it is the patients under our care who will suffer the consequences," she said.
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For further information:
Donna Hessler, President, Local 374: 416-788-9057 cell
