Statement by the Ontario Hospital Association Re: Status of Collective Bargaining with Ontario's Nurses

TORONTO, March 14, 2014 /CNW/ - Following several weeks of collective bargaining and mediation with the assistance of mediator Kevin Burkett, the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) and the Ontario Nurses Association (ONA), have not been able to reach a settlement.

Today, Anthony Dale, OHA President and CEO shared the following statement:

"The OHA regrets that a settlement between Ontario's hospitals and nurses' union could not be reached.

Despite the best efforts of all parties, the bargaining teams continued to be challenged by what is currently affordable for the province during such an unprecedented time of financial restraint.

Ontario hospitals absolutely value the important role nurses play in providing high-quality patient care.

Throughout the collective bargaining process, Ontario hospitals have been looking to balance their immense respect for nurses with what their organizations can operationally manage. In the past four years, hospitals have had to respond economic realities. In 2012-13 and 2013-14 fiscal years, hospitals received 0% increases in base operating funding, and only 1.5% increases during the two fiscal years prior.

Arbitration dates for the two groups have been scheduled."

The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) is a voluntary organization representing approximately 149 public hospital corporations across 225 sites in Ontario. As the voice of Ontario's hospitals, the OHA is achieving a high-performing health system by fostering leadership, supporting innovation and building linkages between hospitals and their communities.

SOURCE: Ontario Hospital Association

Amy Clark, OHA Public Affairs
416-205-1433; [email protected]