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The hard-fought negotiations between Unifor and Quinte Hospital have resulted in 98% of the membership ratifying the landmark tentative agreement.
“The agreement signifies a significant step forward for the healthcare professionals who tirelessly served their communities during the pandemic,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “The wage increases and adjustments provide much-needed recognition of members’ contributions and dedication, will boost morale and address long-standing concerns over wage disparities.”
Initially, a tentative agreement had been reached in 2022, which included Bill 124 imposed wage restrictions, but it was rejected by the members. In response, the union asked to return to the bargaining table, a request that was initially refused by the Employer. To resolve the impasse, the Union filed for conciliation, which took place in early July 2023.
Conciliation resulted in a tentative two-year agreement. The two-year contract includes a 4.75% wage increase in the first year and a 3.5% increase in the second year. Additionally, members will receive a boost in shift premiums of $1.00/hr, and weekend shift premiums will see a substantial increase of $1.50/hr. The contract also includes a special RPN wage adjustment of $2.00, retroactive to the contract's beginning on October 11, 2021 and improvements to health and dental benefits.
"These increases are long overdue for workers who provided care during the pandemic," said Kathleen Brooks, Unifor Local 8300 President. "Wage increases like this have not been seen by health care workers in more than 20 years. The special RPN adjustment is going to be life-changing for some of our members. While the cost of housing, food, and other basic necessities continue to go up, hospital workers have fallen behind. This is a start on catching them up."
As the agreement comes into effect immediately, retroactive to October 11, 2021. Health care workers at Quinte Hospital look forward to a brighter future with fair compensation and a renewed sense of value for their invaluable service.
