Ontario’s hospital nurses have been awarded a 5.25 per cent pay increase over two years following arbitration, affecting about 60,000 workers.
The Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) says the award is disappointing because it does not include minimum staffing ratios, which the union argued were essential for patient and nurse safety.
ONA President Erin Ariss said the decision sends a message that nurses do not deserve the same protections as other front-line workers.
Hospitals countered that mandated ratios were too rigid and did not account for other health professionals.
The union says it is reviewing the decision and considering next steps.