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This month, Unifor heads to the bargaining table on behalf of nearly 2,000 hospital workers across north-eastern and north-western Ontario, with a strong mandate to strengthen wages, improve working conditions and recognize the essential work performed by frontline health care staff.
“This round of bargaining is about making sure the people who keep northern hospitals running are treated with the respect they deserve,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
Negotiations between Unifor and the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA), which bargains on behalf of the Northern Hospital Group, began virtually on March 10, with in-person bargaining scheduled for March 24–27 in Thunder Bay.
“Our members provide essential care in communities that depend heavily on local hospitals, often under difficult conditions and staffing shortages. Fair wages, paid leave and improved benefits are key to keeping skilled health care workers in the North to ensure all Ontarians have access to the care they need,” said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi.
Bargaining is structured with both local and central negotiations. Local issues are negotiated directly between each hospital and its bargaining units. Central issues, such as general wage increases, vacation entitlements, benefits and holiday pay, are negotiated collectively between the hospitals and all participating unions.
Hospitals represented by Unifor Local 229 include Atikokan Health and Community Services, Geraldton District Hospital, Santé Manitouwadge Health, Nipigon District Memorial Hospital, the North of Superior Healthcare Group, and St. Joseph’s Care.
“Like many health care workplaces across the country, northern hospitals have faced mounting pressures in recent years. Workers have dealt with staffing shortages, increased workloads and the ongoing challenge of recruiting and retaining staff in rural communities,” said Unifor Local 1359 President Cathy Humalamaki. “Our members are proud of the care they provide in their communities, and they need collective agreements that reflect the value of their work and the realities of the job today.”
Hospitals represented by Unifor Local 1359 include St. Joseph’s General Hospital, Sault Area Hospital and Lady Dunn Health Centre.
Unifor members in these facilities include service workers such as registered practical nurses (RPNs), personal support workers (PSWs), maintenance staff, communications officers, porters and cleaners. They also include paramedical staff such as diagnostic imaging and laboratory technicians, physiotherapists and pharmacy technicians, as well as clerical workers who keep hospital operations running smoothly.
Unifor says the outcome of this round of bargaining will play an important role in supporting the long-term stability of northern Ontario’s health care system.
