Bargaining news for OPSEU members in the Hospital Professionals Division
Employer tables major concessions
Your bargaining team met with the employer to exchange proposals on April 25, 2016.
We are disappointed – but not surprised – by the employer’s opening proposals. They included across-the-board concessions and takeaways in the areas of the Hospitals of Ontario Disability Income Program (HOODIP),benefits, early retirement allowances and the ever-popular unilateral imposition of short shifts. The employer has made it clear that its priority is to save money at our expense. This is unacceptable. The employer needs to acknowledge the critical role that our members play in getting patients healthy, and show a commitment to their staff by placing appropriate value on our working conditions.
We presented all your demands for this round of bargaining. The demands included job security language, a wage increase, improvements to benefits, and increases to leaves (vacation, bereavement, pregnancy and parental). These improvements reflect the value of our work and its importance to the patient experience. As the hospital sector continues to undergo significant changes, it is critical to ensure labour stability in the service of patient care.
We have concluded our first week of bargaining and some progress has been made on both sides. However, we recognize that a lot of work still lies ahead. We are scheduled to return to the table May 9-13 and May 24-26. We will be meeting the employer in mediation on May 27 and May 28. Arbitration dates have been set for July 13 and July 14, 2016, if required. We will continue to provide you with the latest information and we count on your support!
For more information contact:
Sandi Blancher, Chair, HPD Bargaining Team
at (519) 857-3674
In solidarity,
Your HPD bargaining team