Why ONA?

Why ONA?

ONA is a trade union that cares about professionalism

The professional responsibility clause in the collective agreements that ONA negotiates provides members with the tools to address issues related to their ability to practise at a high standard. ONA’s local leaders, professional practice specialists and labour relations officers help members put the provisions of these clauses into effect.

Most ONA members never have to go on strike

ONA members working in hospitals and long-term care facilities do not have the right to strike. When agreements cannot be settled at the bargaining table, they are sent to arbitration. The arbitrator’s decision is binding on both the union and the employer.

ONA members working in public health and community settings do have the right to strike, although the vast majority of agreements are settled without members taking strike action.

ONA speaks out for health care

ONA is the public voice for nurses and allied health workers. ONA leaders work hard for improvements in nursing and in health care. We speak out for our members and our patients.

ONA advocates for standards of practice and other professional issues at the College of Nurses of Ontario, the licensing and regulatory body for Ontario nurses.

ONA lobbies elected officials and government staff on a variety of health care issues. ONA leaders serve on joint committees with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, the Ontario Hospital Association and other nursing organizations. The goal is to find mutually acceptable solutions to common and persistent health care issues.

ONA is a member of a number of public interest groups and supports their work in protecting our publicly owned and administered health care system.

ONA makes representation to boards of inquiry and public commissions such as the Romanow Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada.