Local 439 receives award from arbitration

Members of OPSEU Local 439, Brockville Mental Health Centre of the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group, have received a significant award from Arbitrator Brian Keller. Local 439 is made up of two bargaining units, hospital professionals and hospital support.

In his decision, Keller awarded wages increases of two per cent for April 1, 2010 – March 31, 2011, and a further two per cent for April 1, 2011 – March 31, 2012. Keller followed the pattern for hospital support workers who make up the majority of the two bargaining units.

Members of Local 439 will also receive a drug card, increases to hearing aids and vision care, and an extension of recall language from 24 months to 48 months. The Board also awarded OPSEU the removal of deemed termination language related to disability and illness.

OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas says that the arbitrator did the right thing in his decision.

“This award reflects the value of our front-line health care members, and recognizes the importance of the work they do,” Thomas said. “Mental health care is one of the most important and difficult areas in the hospital system and these members perform their jobs admirably.”

David McDougall, President of Local 439, is extremely pleased with the arbitrator’s award.

“I want to thank the members of the bargaining team and staff members Sonia Boudreau, Lori Davis and Nichola Martin for their hard work. My thanks also go to President Thomas and OPSEU for all their support through this process.”