OPSEU/SEFPO is disgusted by Victorian Order of Nurses Sarnia’s disrespect for their low-paid, essential, front-line community health care staff.
Twenty-four nurses, members of LiUNA 3000, have been on strike for the past two weeks. What they want is not extravagant. They are asking for a 1% wage increase and overtime pay, as well as sick pay, bereavement leave and benefits for all nurses employed by VON Sarnia.
What has the employer offered them? A 0.5% lump sum payment in year one. An insult at the best of times, but especially now, during a pandemic. These nurses work in home care and public schools, helping vulnerable clients in the community.
“This hits close to home,” said Lucy Morton, OPSEU/SEFPO Region 2 Vice President, Chair of the Community Health Care Division and Chair of the RPN Occupational Division. “As a home care nurse myself, I know how hard we have been working during the pandemic. It isn’t just long-term care experiencing staffing shortages. There is a shortage of community care nurses as well, and offers like this from VON Sarnia are not helping attract nurses to our sector. We stand in full solidarity with our fellow nurses on strike.”
Want to show your solidarity with these front-line heroes in a concrete way? Sign up to volunteer in COVID-safe ways (e.g. online, on the phone), and LiUNA 3000 will be in touch when actions are happening!