FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 30, 2005
Beck award balanced
but does not address serious shortages in the hospital
professions
TORONTO: The central award
for wages and working conditions for MRI technologists,
physiotherapists, laboratory technologists and other
hospital professionals is balanced but fails to address the
severe shortages in the various professions, says the
Ontario Public Service Employees Union.
Arbitrator Stanley Beck
handed down his decision this week, setting the terms for a
two-year contract (Apr. 1, 2004-Mar. 31, 2006) with wage
increases of three per cent in each of the two years for
OPSEU professionals in participating hospitals.
“Although the wage increases
may be in line with other settlements, our shortage problems
are acute, and this still is a matter of concern for us.
Wage increases are a key way of attracting people to our
professions,” said Yves Shank, chair of OPSEU’s central
negotiating team.
The award includes key
improvements in working conditions including the call back
premium, which has lagged behind the industry standard; the
improvements will discourage employers from interrupting
members who are off work. The award also ensures part-time
employees who are on pregnancy and parental leave will
continue to receive their percentage in lieu of benefits,
just as full time employees continue to receive their health
and welfare benefits; as well as improvements in vacation
and benefits.
Beck’s award for hospital
professionals applies to diagnostic, therapeutic and
rehabilitation professionals working in 40 Ontario hospitals
and sets the standard for wages and working conditions
elsewhere. Other professions affected include respiratory
therapists, social workers, pharmacists, pharmacy
technicians, occupational therapists, and many others.
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For information:
David Cox, OPSEU
Communications 1-800-268-7376
