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CONTACT
Greg Dwulit
905-660-1800 x 3059 | g.dwulit@seiulocal1.org

From Wisconsin to Toronto the message is the same, SEIU is stronger together

Monday, March 28, 2011

On March 21 and March 22, SEIU Local 1 Canada stewards and union representatives from across Ontario met for the Hospital Workers’ Council Central Bargaining Conference.  See the photos.

This two-day event was not only aimed at education, but engaging members in a discussion of their key issues as frontline healthcare workers and how their union can help. With potential threats to Ontario’s healthcare system at an all-time high, special guest speakers travelled all the way from Wisconsin with some words of wisdom and reality.

SEIU Local 1 Canada President Sharleen Stewart opened the conference with an inspiring speech that encouraged members, rallying them to be proactive in the bargaining process.

“We don’t want to sit back and wait, we want to go out there and lock in the gains you deserve. When you work hard, life should get easier, not harder,” said Stewart. “Hospital workers in Ontario are some of the most dedicated, hard-working and important people in this province and they deserve to be treated with respect.”

Dian Palmer, President of SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin, shared her story from the frontlines of rallies in Washington DC, where the Governor of the state has recently ended collective bargaining for hospital workers. It is now illegal for hospital workers to try to negotiate wage increases and every year, automatically, the hospital has to hold a vote to get rid of the union altogether. President Palmer warned the crowd in attendance that “If it can happen in Wisconsin, it can happen anywhere”.

Alicia Treadwell, Executive Vice President of SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin, spoke of the need to get members involved in political issues that directly affect their jobs and not think that Canada is immune to change in the union world.

Those in attendance were briefed about what to expect from collective bargaining this round, discussed and debated issues of priority, and elected members to serve on the collective bargaining committee.

Here are the members of this year’s collective bargaining committee.

Hospital Bargaining Committee
From Left to Right: Betty Fraser (Service Region 2), Greg Garratt (Service Region 3), Terry Purdy (Clerical Region 3), David Blake (Service Region 6), Claudette Drapeau (Service Region 7), Cathy Bishop (Service Region 1), Maria Turco (Clerical Region 1), Juanita Barrett (Service Region 4), Linda Ball (Clerical Region 4), Yolanda Mocella (Clerical Region 5), Nancy Barrett (Clerical Region 4), Kellyanne Brew (Service Region 4). Not Shown: Sandra Jamieson (Clerical Region 7), Craig Waddell (Service Region 7). To Be Appointed: (Clerical Region 2), (Clerical Region 6), (Service Region 5). RPN Bargaining Committee: Carol McDowell (President, RPN Division), Claudette Drapeau (Executive Vice President, Hospitals), Christine Peacock (Region 6), Cathy Bishop (Region 1), Kellyanne Brew (Region 4), Pam Paquette (Region 7).

About 2011 Bargaining

On March 22, hospital members from across Ontario voted for their 2011 central hospital bargaining committee. The role of your new bargaining committee is to represent you at the bargaining table. This group of dedicated members work alongside SEIU Local 1 Canada negotiators and union representatives to develop strategies for negotiation that improve the chances of your employer accepting your most important bargaining priorities. They also participate in the negotiation process, and will eventually help to advise you on whether or not to accept a settlement agreement.

This year, central hospital bargaining will happen in two streams. A central hospital bargaining committee will negotiate at the central table for issues that are a priority to all hospital workers. This committee is composed of one clerical representative from each region. A Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) bargaining committee will negotiate at a separate table for issues of professional practice that affect patient safety and care. This committee is composed of hospital representatives from the Nursing Division’s RPN Executive. Hospital workers will vote on a single contract that incorporates negotiated settlements from both the central hospital bargaining table and the RPN bargaining table.

Our Top Six Bargaining Priorities
- Wages
- Benefits
- Vacation
- Paid holidays
- Job posting / Seniority
- Shift premiums

Questions? 
Call your Member Resource Centre at 1-877-672-7348.
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