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“This award reflects the value of our front-line health care members, and recognizes the importance of the work they do,” Thomas said.
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Toronto (09 May 2012) - Members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) employed by the Brockville Mental Health Centre of the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group, have received a significant award from Arbitrator Brian Keller. The two bargaining units affected by this award are hospital professionals and hospital support workers.
In his decision, Keller awarded wagesincreases of two per cent for April 1, 2010 – March 31, 2011 and a further two per cent for April 1, 2011 – March 31, 2012. Keller followed the pattern for hospital support workers who make up the majority of the two bargaining units.
Members will also receive a drug card, increases to hearing aids and vision care and an extension of recall language from 24 months to 48 months. The Board also awarded OPSEU/NUPGE the removal of deemed termination language related to disability and illness.
OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas says that the arbitrator did the right thing in his decision.
“This award reflects the value of our front-line health care members, and recognizes the importance of the work they do,” Thomas said. “Mental health care is one of the most important and difficult areas in the hospital system and these members perform their jobs admirably.”
David McDougall, Local President, is extremely pleased with the arbitrator’s award.
“I want to thank the members of the bargaining team and staff members Sonia Boudreau, Lori Davis and Nichola Martin for their hard work. My thanks also go to President Thomas and OPSEU for all their support through this process.”
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE