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OPSEU the ‘union of choice’ for hospital professionals

Group of OPSEU members under the slogan Ontario's Union for Changing Times
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Parry Sound – Physiotherapists and occupational therapists working at West Parry Sound Health Centre have voted unanimously to join the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU).

“These professionals wanted representation and had looked at other unions,” said OPSEU Hospital Professionals Division Chair Sara Labelle. “They decided on OPSEU because, quite frankly, it’s the union of choice for Ontario’s hospital professionals. We represent thousands of hospital professionals in the province, and have negotiated countless collective agreements on their behalf.

“Our Hospital Professionals Division is led by hospital professionals,” she continued. “We have the experience and expertise that are crucial in today’s bargaining environment. And we are the only ones who speak on behalf of hospital professionals at various tables with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. That’s why these professionals were unanimous in choosing OPSEU.”

Warren (Smokey) Thomas, President of OPSEU, warmly welcomed the new members from West Parry Sound Health Centre and commended them on their choice.

“These professionals did their homework. They looked at OPSEU’s democratic structure. They looked at its leadership. They considered the wealth of resources that OPSEU offers, notably, a professional, knowledgeable, and hardworking staff that is second to none in getting real results.

“As an RPN in Kingston for most of my adult life,” said Thomas, “I understand the needs and concerns of hospital workers. OPSEU is the union best placed to deal with employers who would make hardworking professionals take the fall for this government’s false austerity agenda.

“They can count on us to back them all the way as they negotiate their first collective agreement.”

The West Parry Sound Health Centre is a 90-bed acute care hospital. It delivers care to rural communities and offers a full range of in-patient and out-patient programs. OPSEU represents 45,000 health care workers in Ontario.

For more information: Sara Labelle, 905-914-4037