Hospital employees across the province including those in North Bay, West Nipissing and Mattawa begin a campaign today (Wednesday) in an attempt to get a contract settlement.

Michael Hurley is president of the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions at CUPE.

He says with face to face negotiations for a new contract starting up on April 21st they’re holding a series of events.

“We’re asking people to wear a sticker on their uniforms that says Together For Respect. We’re hoping that this action and workplace rallies that are going to follow next week are going to have the impact at moving the hospitals and that we can achieve a negotiated agreement. That’s certainly our hope,” Hurley says.

He says hospital workers in Ontario are the hardest working staff in the country.

Hurley says one key issue is action on workplace safety.

“We’re certainly looking to make some progress in terms of bargaining language that provides greater protection to people from physical, sexual and verbal assault at work,” he says.

 

Filed under: hospital workers contract negotiations, OCHU