As the community celebrates Norfolk General Hospital’s (NGH) 100th anniversary, the workers who keep it running say they feel left behind. Represented by UNIFOR Local 302, which includes more than 300 employees at the hospital, are calling for fair wages and respect after going a full year without a contract. Red flags flew outside the hospital as union members from departments including RPNs, PSWs, pharmacy, food services, and environmental services held an information demonstration.
Amie Muntz-Foerster, the local UNIFOR Chairperson, said the workers are simply asking for wage equality with nearby hospitals.
Despite six days of bargaining and one day of conciliation, no agreement has been reached. The union is now waiting for an arbitration date. As essential hospital workers, they cannot legally strike and even if it were legal, Muntz-Foerster explains that’s not what they’d do.
For this reason public support is critical. Muntz-Foerster encouraged the public to contact NGH’s Human Resources and CEO Todd Stepanuik to voice their support for a fair deal.
In addition to wages and benefits, the workers are frustrated by NGH spending nearly $1,900 on a paid application to be listed as a top employer in Southwestern Ontario—funds they believe would be better used on staff. Muntz-Foerster, noting staff were essential to earning the exemplary accreditation.
The demonstration ran till 1:30 p.m., with workers receiving steady support from honking passersby.
Written by Jeremy Hall