Support for Ontario Nurses Association Political Actions

On January 30, 2023, contract talks between the Ontario Nurses’ Association’s (ONA) 60,000 hospital nurses and health-care professionals and the Ontario Hospital Association began, with ONA members determined to reach a new deal that meets their demands.

ONA’s top-two issues are staffing shortages and wages. Nurses are demanding better wages that reflect the rising cost of living and the wages stolen from them for the past three years by Premier Ford’s unconstitutional Bill 124 wage cap law, and other changes to support better staffing levels enabling them to provide timely and high-quality care for Ontarians.

ONA and its members have planned for a series of escalating actions over the coming weeks. Members are strongly encouraged to participate where possible. A victory by ONA at the bargaining table can have a significant impact on other public sector unions engaged in negotiations, including OSSTF/FEESO and other education affiliates, and help to combat the continuing threat of privatization of public services.

The ONA actions include:

• Locally based actions on February 23, planned for various sites and MPP’s offices across Ontario; and
• A central action on March 2, from 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm at their first mediation meeting at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel in Toronto.

For the February 23 action, ONA’s plan is to connect with local labour affiliate offices, including OSSTF/FEESO District Offices, to relay their local plans, and ask for support.

February 23 picket locations – https://www.ona.org/bettercare/feb23/

On March 2, ONA is planning a mass gathering outside the Sheraton Centre Hotel from 12 noon – 2 pm where their first contract mediation session will take place with the government. Local leaders and members who live near the hotel who are available to show up are strongly encouraged to do so. Provincial Office will bring extra flags and signs to this event.

Provincial Office has prepared signs and social media images available for download and local production that show our support for nurses for use by members at these events.

Members can find out more information about ONA’s campaigns on the following websites:

Better Care – public facing bargaining campaign.

Value Nurses – advocacy campaign, email the government.

For more information, please contact Tracey Marshall at tracey.marshall@osstf.ca.