Media advisory: Newmarket patients and staff protest delays as pay of
hospital CEO jumps 81%

NEWMARKET, ON, April 27 /CNW/ - Staff and patients said they plan to protest in Newmarket today as it was revealed the CEO of Southlake Regional Health Centre has been pocketing outlandish pay increases while proposals to increase patient safety are being stalled and frontline staff have been left without a contract since last year.

The compensation of CEO Dan Carriere has jumped a staggering 81 per cent in five years, with the chief executive pocketing $2.9-million of taxpayer dollars meant for healthcare, while frontline staff are being squeezed, according the the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

Protesters will call for CEO pay to be capped and urge the Ontario Hospitals Association (OHA) to reach an agreement with members of SEIU Local 1 who have been seeking a contract since August 2009.

Members of SEIU Local 1 Canada will deliver signed postcards demanding the OHA agree to staff proposals for patients to get the right nurse at the right time and for an early warning system so Registered Practical Nurses can raise the alarm over patient safety.

    
    Where:
    Southlake Regional Health Centre
    596 Davis Drive, Newmarket, L3Y 2P9
    (Under bridge)

    When: Tuesday, April 27, 2010

    Time: 11:45am
    

SEIU Local 1 Canada represents 46,000 healthcare and community services workers throughout Ontario

For further information: please contact Greg Dwulit at [phone]