Union representing nurses at GRH says hospital has not made a deal to increase wages

The union representing healthcare workers like nurses and personal support workers at Grand River Hospital says they are still waiting for the hospital to settle on wage increase for those workers now that Bill 124 has been struck down.

An arbitrator awarded hospital workers more pay after Bill 124 was ruled unconstitutional in November 2022.

In June, the arbitrator awarded 3.75 per cent for 2022 and 2.5 per for this year to hospital workers like dietary aides, personal support workers and registered practical nurses on top of the one per cent per year they received under Bill 124.

Other regional hospitals like Cambridge Memorial Hospital (CMH), have already settled wages with their healthcare workers. CMH told CBC News the settlement was awarded in April and was paid out in June. 

Colleen Steven, local vice president of Unifor 1106, told CBC News the hospital has sat down with the union, but they were told the hospital does not yet have approval to make a deal.

"That's a problem because whoever needs to make that decision needs to get to the work place, sit down and make the deal and let these members get back to doing what they love," she said.

On its website, Unifor said in a statement it has "made demands throughout August and September 2023, and finally, in October 2023, the employer agreed to meet but refused to discuss wages further."

"The time for talking about it is over. Our members have spoken very loud and clear that the time is now for action and its not just about talk any more," Steven said.

In an emailed statement to CBC KW, Leigh Scott, interim vice president of people, culture and experience, said "Grand River Hospital and Unifor have been actively engaged in discussions regarding the Bill 124 reopener, and are committed to continuing the dialogue and following due process."

Unifor Local 1106, representing almost 1,400 health care workers at the hospital. They include registered practical nurses, personal support workers, clinical assistants, clerical workers and others like maintenance and skill trade workers.

Steven said health care workers at Grand River Hospital are feeling frustrated and unappreciated that they have not yet received their compensation.

"Their morale is low," Steven said. "They see other people within the hospital that have already gotten their compensation ... it's frustrating."

Steven said next steps for the union will be to bring forward an arbitrator to get a deal if the hospital can't come back to the union in a timely manner.

"Obviously we would prefer to sit down with the hospital and just work out this deal for our members, because the sooner the better," she said.