OPSEU welcomes our newest Hospital Professionals Division members — the laboratory and diagnostic imaging employees of Groves Memorial Community Hospital in Fergus, Ontario.
On August 30, 2018, these hospital employees voted overwhelmingly in favour of becoming OPSEU members.
President Warren (Smokey) Thomas noted that OPSEU membership is a powerful way to plan for the future and stand up to the Ford government.
“Joining OPSEU is a smart move. Health Minister Christine Elliot recently made this government’s plans very clear. They are threatening so-called efficiencies and an ominous transformation of the health-care system, although our hospitals are already over-stretched.”
“When you’re part of OPSEU you have 155,000 members who have your back,” added Thomas. “Employers quickly learn that OPSEU refuses to settle for second best when it comes to the interests of our members.”
Sara Labelle, Region 3 Vice-President and Chair of the Hospital Professionals Division, said: “These members can now bargain a collective agreement that puts rules in place. They will no longer simply be at the beck and call of their employer.
“OPSEU is proud to represent more than 25,000 hospital professionals across Ontario. We hope hospital professional staff at sister hospitals in the Wellington Health Care Alliance will also join OPSEU down the road. We look forward to having them experience the benefits of joining our OPSEU family,” said Labelle.
Groves Memorial Community Hospital is part of The Wellington Health Care Alliance, which also includes Louise Marshall Hospital and Palmerston and District Hospital.
Region 2 Vice President Lucy Morton says hospital professionals at Louise Marshall and Palmerston and District hospitals would be a welcome addition to the OPSEU family.
“Join us and take advantage of everything OPSEU has to offer,” Morton said. We’re growing in leaps and bounds and there is always room in OPSEU’s tent for more members.”