Warren (Smokey) Thomas, President of OPSEU, announced today that workers with the Owen Sound Family Health Team had chosen to become members of the union. Employees voted 74 per cent in favour of joining OPSEU in a vote held on July 7.
“I am absolutely delighted to welcome these new members into the OPSEU family,” said Thomas. “OPSEU is Ontario’s strongest voice for labour, and we will represent their interests to the very best of our ability.”
The Owen Sound Family Health Team includes a diverse range of approximately 70 workers, including office and clerical staff, cleaning personnel, registered nurses, registered practical nurses, occupational therapists, dieticians, social workers and pharmacists. The team works in close collaboration with physicians in Owen Sound to deliver high-quality health care to community residents.
Lois Boggs, OPSEU organizer noted that the employer had tried to exclude a number of staff. “Fortunately, we’ve mostly resolved this issue with the Labour Relations Board. There are only three exceptions remaining,” she said.
Lucy Morton, Chair of the Community Health Care Professionals Sector, was jubilant. “I’m so excited to welcome these new members from Owen Sound. Once again, community health care workers from Grey Bruce have chosen OPSEU as the only union to represent health care workers. Congratulations to our new members and to all who helped with this highly successful campaign.”
For more information:
Lois Boggs
Organizing Representative, OPSEU
1-800-268-7376, ext. 5232