In a vote held on September 2, office and clerical workers at the South Huron Hospital Association and South Huron Medical Centre in Exeter voted 92 per cent in favour of becoming members of OPSEU. They join the allied health professionals at South Huron Hospital, who are already represented by OPSEU Local 106.
Barb DeRoche, Chair of OPSEU’s Hospital Support Sector, was confident of the outcome of the vote. "I’m proud to be part of the team that represents our newest members from South Huron Hospital. The office and clerical staff wanted a strong voice with vast experience in representing hospital support staff – and a proven track record of bargaining superior collective agreements. That’s why they chose OPSEU. We welcome them and look forward to working with them."
President Warren (Smokey) Thomas expressed his pleasure upon hearing of OSPEU’s latest members. “I extend a very warm welcome to the office and clerical workers at the South Huron Hospital Association and South Huron Medical Centre,” he said. “At a time when health care services are being squeezed by the austerity agenda of the Liberal government, it’s more critical than ever to have the protection that comes with belonging to Ontario’s strongest advocate for hospital sector workers. Joining OPSEU is a giant leap towards securing a brighter future.”