Dear HPD Highest-Ranking,
This is a communication to provide you with an important update regarding the status and the rescheduling of the Bill 124 re-opener hearing.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Arbitrator William Kaplan has informed us that the hearing, originally scheduled for May 17th, will now take place on May 29th.
To provide some background, our bargaining team and the Ontario Hospital Association, which represents the employers, met with Arbitrator William Kaplan in February for mediation on compensation improvements. This mediation was initiated in light of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice overturning and declaring Bill 124 as “void and of no effect” on November 29, 2022.
The mediation in February was not successful.
Consequently, the parties agreed to schedule an interest arbitration with Arbitrator Kaplan. At the hearing, both sides will present their arguments, and Kaplan will issue a binding decision.
Please note that this process only applies to HPD bargaining units that participate in central bargaining.
We understand the importance of keeping you informed, and we will provide further updates following the hearing on May 29th.
Your support is appreciated as we navigate through these negotiations.
In solidarity,
Your HPD bargaining team:
Sandi Blancher, Bargaining Chair
L106 – London Health Sciences Centre
Betty Palmieri, Bargaining Vice-Chair
L206 – St. Joseph’s Health Care Hamilton
Brenda Allan
L215 – Niagara Health System
Beverly Weaver
L4106 – Kingston Health Sciences Centre
Kelly Richmond
L480 – Quinte Healthcare Corporation
Adrian Balojin
L206 – St. Joseph’s Health Care Hamilton
Steve McCaw
L106 – London Health Sciences Centre