The Orthopaedic Technologists and Orthopaedic Technicians working at MacKenzie Health in Richmond Hill have voted 100 per cent in favour of joining OPSEU.
Seeking transparency, accountability and a voice in the workplace, the Orthopaedic Technologists and Technicians at MacKenzie Health join existing OPSEU members in Local 388 of laboratory and diagnostic imaging technologists and technicians and OPSEU Local 374 service and clerical staff at the health centre.
“This is a great day for these workers, and it’s a great day for OPSEU,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “There’s strength in numbers, and with the changes Doug Ford wants to make to our health care system, we’re going to need all the strength we can get.”
Sara Labelle, Chair of OPSEU’s Hospital Professionals Division, said she couldn’t be happier to hear the technologists and technicians have chosen OPSEU.
“Congratulations and a warm welcome – you couldn’t have picked a better time to join our family,” said Labelle. “The best way to stand up for ourselves and the quality health care we provide is to stand together with our co-workers in a powerful union like OPSEU.”
Although few details have been revealed yet, the Ford government is in the process of radically changing the way health care is delivered in Ontario. A new health care “super agency” has been created, and a wave of cuts and hospital amalgamations is expected soon.
“We’re hoping for the best, but prepared for the worst,” said Thomas. “But by working together, we will protect ourselves, our families, our communities, and the health care we all depend upon. Together to win.”