ST. CATHARINES, Ont. Hotel Dieu workers, members of Local 1097 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), are set to vote on a new contract that will help ease the instability and turmoil caused by the broad changes coming in health service delivery. The two-year, breakthrough collective agreement was reached earlier this month between the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA), and CUPEs Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU).
The ratification vote will take place at Hotel Dieu Hospital, from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. CUPE 1097 executive members will be available for comment on the ratification vote will present a photo opportunity for local media.
This collective agreement will improve wages and job security for our members, said Steve Palmer, president of CUPE 1097. Once it is ratified, it will provide some stability as we head into local hospital restructuring. CUPE 1097 represents over 360 workers who are RPNs, cooks, cleaners, clerical staff, shippers and receivers.
Highlights of the deal include a 3 per cent wage increase in the first year, 2.5% in the second year, improvements to medical, bereavement, education and compassionate leave, and significant gains in job security protections.
- Who?
CUPE 1097 Hospital Workers -
What?
Ratification vote on tentative contract settlement -
When?
March 17th, 2005 -
Where?
Hotel Dieu Hospital, 6th Floor,
155 Ontario Street, St. Catharines
-30-
For further information, please contact:
Steve Palmer, President, CUPE 1097 - 905 932-6188
Andrew Hunter, CUPE National Representative - 905 641-3804
James Chai, CUPE Communications - 416 292-3999