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Mr. Ron Gagnon
President and CEO Grand River Hospital
GRH KW Campus, 835 King St W, Kitchener, ON N2G 1G3
Dear Mr. Gagnon,
As the National President of Unifor, I am writing to address a matter of severe importance concerning the ongoing reopener bargaining negotiations for our members at Grand River Hospital.
I am encouraged that the Hospital has taken a significant step forward by offering dates to commence the bargaining process. This is a positive indication of your willingness to engage in constructive discussions and work towards a resolution that benefits all stakeholders.
As we proceed, I expect that the Hospital is prepared to come to the table with a genuine commitment to recognizing the pivotal role played by Unifor members in the success and operations of Grand River Hospital. Our members have demonstrated exceptional dedication and resilience, especially during the challenging times brought about by the pandemic. It is imperative that any collective agreement reached truly reflects the magnitude of their contributions.
They have waited patiently for a settlement that not only compensates them fairly for their tireless efforts during the pandemic but also enables them to cope with the ever-increasing cost of living. We must ensure that their sacrifices and hard work are acknowledged and rewarded through a fair and equitable agreement.
As we engage in these negotiations, it is important to reiterate that we are bargaining a reopener with a term spanning from April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2024. This timeframe encapsulates a significant period of service and commitment, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the resulting terms align with the values of respect and fairness that Grand River Hospital upholds.
I would like to draw your attention to the recent Kaplan awards in our negotiations. The precedent set by the Kaplan pattern has proven to be successful in similar contexts, leading to fair and equitable agreements at London Health Science Centre, Quinte and Alexandra hospitals.
In closing, I ask you to consider the significance of these negotiations not only for Unifor members but also for the broader Grand River Hospital community. Our members' s have been the cornerstone of the hospital's success, and it is only fitting that we work together to ensure their well-being and satisfaction.
Thank you for your attention to these matters. We look forward to engaging in constructive and fruitful negotiations that will ultimately result in a collective agreement reflective of the continued dedication and professionalism of Unifor members at Grand River Hospital.
In Solidarity,
Lana Payne,
Unifor National President
