April 19, 2017
Dear friends:
On April 1, 2016, a program transfer took place from North Bay Regional Health Centre to Health Sciences North. As a result, a union representation vote will be held on May 15, 16 and 17, 2017. You are eligible to vote.
OPSEU members already know the strength that comes from belonging to the union that represents the largest number of allied health professionals across Ontario – more than 21,000 members at 70 hospitals. It’s widely acknowledged that OPSEU sets the “gold standard” in wages and working conditions for allied health professionals.
OPSEU has a proven track record in collective bargaining at Health Sciences North. For example, in our most recent round of bargaining, OPSEU successfully negotiated a 4.2 per cent wage increase for hospital professionals in our 2016-19 contract. We are eager to build on our strengths – and our successes.
For those who are less familiar with OPSEU, let us tell you a bit about our union.
First of all, we are a member-driven union. Your voice is heard inside OPSEU.
Our democratic structure gives you an unparalleled voice in how your union works. OPSEU gives you a strong voice at the local level, but just as importantly, it makes you part of a province-wide network of members who do the same work you do.
Second, OPSEU is an Ontario-based union that focuses on the issues that matter to you. We campaign for healthy workplaces and strong labour laws to protect your job. We work hard to stop the privatization of public health care, which cuts services to patients and drives down wages and benefits for health care workers at the same time. OPSEU has a high profile – in the community, in the news media, and at Queen’s Park.
Third, OPSEU prides itself on being a transparent organization. We’re accountable directly to you. Our dues structure is simple: 1.375 per cent of wages. In exchange, all costs for collective bargaining and grievance handling are fully funded, as are all the other services the union provides. And if you do have a grievance, you legally own your complaint. There is no union committee that can deny your grievance.
On May 15, 16 and 17th, we’re asking you to vote for strength, unity and effective representation. That’s why more and more allied health professionals are choosing OPSEU over any other union. We’re ready and prepared to represent you!
On May 15, 16, and 17 vote OPSEU.
For more information, please contact:
Kiera Chion, OPSEU Organizer at [email protected] or 416-526-0330 (mobile); or
Norm Pilon, OPSEU Staff Representative at n[email protected] (cell: 705-665-2216)
www.opseu.org/healthsciencesnorth, [email protected], 1-844-OPSEU-4U, www.facebook.com/OPSEUHSN/