Oakville’s Central West Specialized Developmental Services Registered Nurses Attempting to Avoid a Strike

OAKVILLE – Registered Nurses (RNs) who care for those who have developmental disabilities, challenging behaviours and mental health issues are heading into mediation on April 6, 2018, seeking a new contract.

The five full-time and two casual RNs – members of the Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) working at the Central West Specialized Developmental Services in Oakville – have been without a contract since March 31, 2017. At conciliation on February 21, 2018, this employer refused to offer wage increases that are in line with what they have negotiated with other groups. The RNs in this Bargaining Unit are paid far less than RNs working in Ontario hospitals – a full $4.23 per hour less for an RN at the end of the wage grid.

“Our highly educated Registered Nurses are dedicated to providing outreach, treatment rehabilitation, preventative health care, support and consultation that helps these vulnerable clients remain in their own community,” said ONA President Vicki McKenna, RN.

“Our nurses work as part of an interdisciplinary team – with families and community stakeholders – to deliver nursing care for their vulnerable clients. Their work includes developing and maintaining health supports to ensure an optimal level of health and functioning of their clients. This is invaluable and deserves the respect and recognition of their employer,” McKenna added.

McKenna urges this employer to recognize the vital work of the RNs, and work collaboratively with ONA to reach an agreement that respects and recognizes the skilled care and services they provide. “Our members know the importance and value of the services they provide to our vulnerable community members, and remain ready to return to the table. Our RNs want to avoid being forced to withdraw their services.”

If the parties cannot reach an agreement, there is a legal strike deadline set for April 9.

ONA is the union representing 65,000 registered nurses and health-care professionals, as well as 16,000 nursing student affiliates, providing care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health, the community, clinics and industry.

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For more information:

Sheree Bond: (416) 964-8833, ext. 2430; cell: (416) 986-8240; shereeb@ona.org

Ruth Featherstone: (416) 964-8833, ext. 2267; ruthf@ona.org