The Ontario Nurses’ Association is a union for nurses, by nurses. As an ONA member, you have a say in ONA’s agenda and your representatives.
ONA has strong Bargaining Unit representation and leadership. Individual members belong to an ONA Bargaining Unit. Members elect their Bargaining Unit President, Bargaining Unit committees and unit representatives, Local Coordinator, Secretary and Treasurer. Your elected team works with members to improve your working conditions and maintain your rights under the collective agreement.
Your Bargaining Unit belongs to an ONA Local. The Local Coordinator acts as a resource on governance issues and provides advice to Bargaining Unit Presidents on many items including funding of bargaining unit leave issues. The Local Coordinator also serves as a link between the broader membership and the ONA Board of Directors. Local Coordinators attend ONA provincial meetings and report back to membership on resolutions and/or directions that stem from the discussions.
As an ONA member, you are also entitled to elect your Regional Vice-President and you cast your ballot for First Vice-President and Provincial President.
There are five Regional Vice-Presidents who – along with the Provincial President and First Vice-President – comprise the ONA Board of Directors. Our Board members are front-line RNs who have the responsibility to make policies that are consistent with the ONA Constitution that relate to the administration of ONA activities. The Board is also responsible for creating and implementing the strategic direction of ONA.
ONA Fast Facts
68,000 – ONA members
18,000 – Nursing student affiliate members
63 – Number of ONA Locals
500+ – Number of ONA Bargaining Unit Presidents
ONA represents members in the following workplaces:
- Hospitals.
- Nursing Homes.
- Homes for the Aged.
- Public Health.
- Local Health Integration Networks.
- Home Care.
- Clinics.
- Industry.
- Family Health Teams.
- Community Health Centres.
ONA members include:
- Registered nurses.
- Nurse practitioners.
- Registered practical nurses.
- Occupational therapists.
- Radiation therapists.
- Physiotherapists.
- Social workers.
- Medical Radiation Technologists.
- And more.
