As an ONA member, you are entitled to many services and benefits tailored to your needs as nurses and health-care professionals.
Over the past several years, the costs of supporting our members have increased substantially. We have stepped up our work in fighting for our workplace rights, supporting anti-racism initiatives, bargaining and negotiations, litigating in courts including Bill 124, mobilizing and campaigns, professional practice issues, providing base long-term disability for members not covered by their employer, pay equity work, technology, IT supports and equipment, education, and so much more.
Despite rising costs and increased demand, ONA’s Local and provincial leadership are committed to ensuring there are no cutbacks to the core services and advocacy our members need and deserve.
At the 2023 Biennial Convention, an overwhelming majority of voting delegates from ONA Locals approved changes to the dues structure. The dues escalator, which automatically increased dues by three per cent each year, was eliminated.
Lump sum dues increases were approved. As ONA members, you pay a flat rate based on your hourly rate of pay. Effective January 1, 2024, dues paid to ONA for the dues months from January 2024 to December 2024 are as follows:
| ONA Dues | Tax Treatment | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Time Hourly Rate | Total Deducted Per Month | Portion of Dues for Insurance | Portion of Dues for Box 44 on T4 (tax deductible) |
| Equal or greater than $32.50 | $122.13 | $3.50 | $118.63 |
| Greater than $26.00, but less than $32.50 | $89.69 | $3.50 | $86.19 |
| Equal or less than $26.00 | $72.60 | $3.50 | $69.10 |
| Stand-by Pay | $5.00 | $3.50 | $1.50 |
Frequently Asked Questions
I work casual. What if I have no shifts for the month? Do I have to pay full dues for that month?
If a casual classification results in not working in a calendar month you do not owe for that month. If you were only paid on call/stand-by pay or pay for attending a meeting/certification there is a $5.00 flat rate of dues deducted.
I work casual. I work one shift a month. Do I pay the full dues for that month?
The dues are based on hourly rate tiers regardless of the number of shifts worked.
I work at two different sites, but they are under the same ONA Bargaining Unit. Do I pay dual dues?
No. If you work under one ONA Bargaining Unit, but at multiple sites, you only pay dues once.
Dual Dues Information
Effective immediately, the Board of Directors has decided to reinstate the dual dues policy. This means that eligible members will continue to receive the dual dues refund going forward.
The decision to rescind this policy was originally made based on feedback and suggestions the Board received when meeting with Local leaders in the summer and fall in relation to financial savings.
Many front-line members reached out to us to share about how the cancellation of the dual dues refund would impact them, their workplaces and their communities. We listened to your stories and concerns about how this decision would affect your work, especially in smaller Bargaining Units.
We thank all the members who took the time to reach out directly by email and phone to voice their perspectives and share their experiences. We have heard loud and clear that the dual dues refund program is an important measure of particular significance to our part-time and casual members.
While the Board has reinstated the dual dues refund policy, we must still identify cost savings elsewhere. We will be looking at how this can be done without impacting the services you rely on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I entitled to receive a dual dues refund this year?
The following is the criteria for determining if you are eligible for a dual dues refund for the 2023 year:
- The refund is based on the year from January 1 to December 31, 2023.
- You must be employed at more than one ONA Bargaining Unit.
- The total number of dues deductions from all Bargaining Units within the designated period must exceed 12 deductions.
2022 Dual Dues Refunds: The 2022 refunds have been completed. If you believe you were entitled to a refund for 2021 or 2022 and did not receive one please contact the staff member responsible for Dual Dues Refunds at DualDuesRefund@ona.org or call (416) 964-8833 or 1-800-387-5580, ext. 7788. We plan to also post a list of these members names in early 2024.
Do I have to apply for a dual dues refund?
You do not have to apply for a dual dues refund. The calculations are done automatically based on the dues remittances received from the employers at each Bargaining Unit.
What is the refundable portion of dues for 2023?
| Based on standard dues paid per month | $114.59 | $83.63 | $67.59 |
| Less non-refundable portion of dues: | |||
| Local portion of dues | $18.15 | $18.15 | $18.15 |
| Critical Illness/LTD Premiums | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 |
| Supplemental Funding | $2.00 | $2.00 | $2.00 |
| Legal Expense Assistance Plan | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 |
| CFNU | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 |
| Malpractice Insurance | $1.00 | $1.00 | $1.00 |
| Total Deductions | $28.65 | $28.65 | $28.65 |
| Operating Portion (Refundable portion) | $85.94 | $54.98 | $38.94 |
How is my dual dues refund calculated?
Your dual dues refund is calculated based on the following formula: The total number of dues payments submitted for the year less 12 payments multiplied by the Refundable Portion of Dues.
Example:
In 2023, Barbara worked in two Bargaining Units. She paid monthly dues at Bargaining Unit A from March to October 2023 (8 months) and Bargaining Unit B from January to November 2023 (11 months.) The total number of dues payments for Barbara in 2023 was 19. She submits dues based on the top tier.
Her total refund for 2023 would be calculated as follows: Total number of dues payments in the year (19) less 12 payments equals seven months multiplied by $85.94 (refundable portion of dues.)
Her dual dues refund for 2023 would be $601.58.
My Local collects a special dues levy in addition to the regular monthly dues. Will I be able to receive a refund of the special dues levy and the Local portion of the dues that I have paid?
Locals are required to develop financial policies regarding the refund of the Local portion of dues received by the Local. Please contact your Local Coordinator for the policies of your Local.
Are there tax implications for the dual dues refund?
The dual dues refund is considered taxable income in the year received. Therefore, you must add the 2023 refund you receive in 2024 onto your 2024 personal income tax return. Please consult your tax professional for advice.
When will I get my dual dues refund?
Dual dues refund cheques relating to the previous calendar year are mailed by May 31 of the current year.
Direct deposit payments will be deposited by May 31, 2024, for eligible members who have provided ONA with their banking information.
What if I disagree with the dual dues refund amount I received?
If you disagree with the amount you receive, you may send a written request for a review. You must attach copies of your T4 forms from all your employers for the year 2023. Please ensure you include your ONA member ID number, and current address on your correspondence.
Send your request and required information by mail (Ontario Nurses’ Association, Attn: Dual Dues Refunds, Accounting Services Team, 85 Grenville St., Toronto, ON, M5S 3A2) or by email at DualDuesRefund@ona.org
The written request for the review must be received within 90 days from the receipt of the refund. Please allow four to six weeks for a response.
What if I did not receive a dual dues refund cheque and I feel I should have?
If you do not receive a 2023 direct deposit/dual dues refund cheque by July 30, 2024 and believe that you should have received one:
- Contact Dues and Membership at 1-800-387-5580, ext. 2200 or from the Toronto area, 416-964-8833, ext. 2200 to make sure that your contact and bank information on file is up to date.
- You must send a request for a review of your eligibility for a dual dues refund. You must attach copies of your T4 forms from all your employers for the year 2023. Please ensure that you include your ONA member ID number, and current address on your correspondence.
Send your request and required information to the address above or to DualDuesRefund@ona.org. Please allow four to six weeks for a response.
How long do I have to claim a dual dues refund?
ONA will only investigate inquiries concerning dual dues refunds for a period of two years following the year in which the dues were deducted. For example, inquiries for 2023 dual dues refunds must be made by December 31, 2025.
Questions and Answers
I worked in two facilities in 2022 and 2021 and I haven’t received payment. Will I still receive a refund?
Yes. Please contact memberchanges@ona.org to follow up directly with our dues staff. Please include your name and workplace specifics.
I worked in two separate facilities represented by ONA in 2023. Will I receive a refund?
No. The dual dues refund policy – which is a Board policy that was approved at the October 2023 Board of Directors meeting – is in effect January 1, 2024. Therefore, dual dues will not be paid for the 2023 calendar year.
Is this fair to members?
ONA members who work at two or more workplaces receive and have the same access to services and representation for each workplace. Given that each workplace is unique and has its own specific needs, members receive tailored representation, which requires time and has a cost.
Aren’t members receiving the same services at each workplace?
Serving members in different worksites requires resources for each of those places. We want to continue to provide that high level of service but that means we need the resources to do that.
Why wasn’t the cancellation of dual dues refund policy voted on at the Biennial Convention?
This idea originated from our Local leaders and was then considered and approved by the Board. This was not voted on at Convention because this is a member policy. The Board of Directors is tasked with making decisions on member policies. It was announced at Convention to ensure maximum transparency.
Why can’t we keep the dual dues refund? How will this impact members?
Without this policy change, all 68,000 members would need to pay an additional $3.38 per month in dues to ensure the same level of service and representation.
Can't we find savings elsewhere in the organization?
Yes. Actions have already been taken by our CEO as it relates to operations by making the difficult decision to eliminate some senior staff positions that are vacated and will be vacated by retirements, downsizing the management team, and not providing the same compensation increase to the management team that was provided to the SEIU bargaining unit staff. We are also considering other cost-saving measures to ensure we are being fiscally responsible throughout the entire organization.
Why is it so hard to issue refunds for dual dues?
This is a challenging process because it involves so many resources and teams including Dues and Membership, Finance and Accounting, IT, Communications and Government Relations, the Office of the President, and others in addition to Local Coordinators, Bargaining Unit Presidents, Treasurers and Secretaries. The large amount of energy and time that the dual dues process takes can be redirected toward additional member supports.
Dual dues refund eliminated effective January 1, 2024
During a leaders’ meeting to discuss solutions to resource our union’s work, several Local leaders raised the idea of eliminating the dual dues policy, with broad support expressed. The Board of Directors considered this idea, including varying perspectives, fiduciary accountabilities, and strategies for the future.
The ONA Board of Directors approved eliminating dual dues for several reasons:
- Services and representation are provided to members in each place they work. This takes time and has a cost.
- Representation is tailored to the unique needs in each workplace, even in the rare case where they are in the same bargaining unit. For example, a professional workload reporting process building toward an independent assessment committee may only apply to one worksite and requires significant resources.
- The process of issuing dual dues refunds is time consuming and costly. It takes thousands of hours to research, identify, track down, contact and follow up regarding dual dues. Many ONA staff teams and Local leaders are involved in this process – energy and time that can be redirected toward additional member supports that are desperately needed.
Dual Dues Information
We recently announced the elimination of the dual dues policy, effective January 2024. This decision was made because each Bargaining Unit is unique and has its own specific needs, members receive tailored representation, which bears a significant cost – adding to a budget already strained by rising costs and demand.
Many front-line members reached out to us to share how a lack of notice of this change would have serious impacts on them. It was made clear that retroactively applying this to work done in 2023 is a major concern. The ONA Board of Directors appreciates the candid and constructive feedback they received by email and phone from members.
To avoid any hardship resulting from a lack of notice, the dual dues refund has been reinstated for members who worked in more than one ONA Bargaining Unit in 2023. That means that dual dues paid in 2023 will be refunded for all eligible members in 2024.
Beyond 2023, the Board will be reviewing the impact of the elimination of dual dues refund on members who pay dues in more than two Bargaining Units and for some classifications that rely on casual staffing.
Updates on the provision of dual dues refunds will be posted to this webpage when they are available.
Dues-paying ONA members enjoy a number of services and benefits tailored to the needs of registered nurses and health-care professionals.
These services and benefits include: Access to our top-notch education programs, professional practice specialists who advise members on nursing practice concerns, a Human Rights and Equity Team that promotes equality and works for fair and impartial consideration of issues, access to the ONA Benefit Program, which provides base Long-Term Disability (LTD) for members not covered through their employer/collective agreement, and much more.
Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) members pay a flat rate based on their hourly rate of pay.
Effective January 1, 2023, dues paid to ONA for the dues months of January 2023 to December 2023 are as follows:
Dual Dues
The following FAQs will provide you with further information about ONA’s Dual Dues program.
1. Am I entitled to receive a dual dues refund this year?
The following is the criteria for determining if you are eligible for a dual dues refund for the 2022 year:
- The refund is based on the year from January 1 to December 31, 2022.
- You have to be employed at more than one agency where ONA is the bargaining agent.
- The total number of dues deductions from all your employers within the designated time period must exceed 12 deductions.
The 2021 Dual Dues Refunds have been completed. As of November 8, 2022, the members on the following list have not received their cheques, as ONA Membership has been unable to contact them, or a cheque was issued and was not cashed as of November 8, 2022.
2022 Dual Dues Update: Are You Owed Money? Important Notice about Dual Dues Refunds
If your name is contained on the dual dues refund list, please contact the staff member responsible for Dual Dues Refunds at DualDuesRefund@ona.org or call (416) 964-8833 or 1-800-387-5580, ext. 7788.
2. Do I have to apply for a dual dues refund?
You do not have to apply for a dual dues refund. The calculations are done automatically based on the dues remittances received from employers.
3. What is the refundable portion of dues for 2022?
| Based on standard dues paid per month | $111.25 | $81.19 | $65.62 |
| Less non-refundable portion of dues: | |||
| Local portion of dues | $17.62 | $17.62 | $17.62 |
| Critical Illness/LTD Premiums | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 |
| Supplemental Funding | $2.00 | $2.00 | $2.00 |
| Legal Expense Assistance Plan | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 |
| CFNU | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 |
| Malpractice Insurance | $1.00 | $1.00 | $1.00 |
| Total Deductions | $28.12 | $28.12 | $28.12 |
| Operating Portion (Refundable portion) | $83.13 | $53.07 | $37.50 |
4. How is my dual dues refund calculated?
Your dual dues refund is calculated based on the following formula: The total number of dues payments submitted by all of your employers during the year less 12 payments multiplied by the Refundable Portion of Dues.
Example: In the year 2022, Barbara worked for two employers. She paid monthly dues at Employer A from March to October 2022 (8 months) and Employer B from January to November 2022 (11 months.) The total number of dues payments for Barbara in 2021 was 19. She submits dues based on the top tier.
Her total refund for 2022 would be calculated as follows:
Total number of dues payments in the year (19) less 12 payments equals 7 months multiplied by $83.13 (refundable portion of dues.)
Her dual dues refund for 2022 would be $581.91.
5. My Local collects a special dues levy in addition to the regular monthly dues. Will I be able to receive a refund of the special dues levy and the Local portion of the dues that I have paid?
Locals are required to develop financial policies regarding the refund of the Local portion of dues received by the Local. Please contact your Local Coordinator for the policies of your Local.
6. Are there tax implications for the dual dues refund?
The dual dues refund is considered taxable income in the year received. Therefore you must add the 2022 refund you receive in 2023 onto your 2023 personal income tax return. Please consult your tax professional for advice.
7. When will I get my dual dues refund?
Prior to 2021, Dual Dues Refund cheques were mailed out. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ONA introduced direct deposit payments for Dual Dues Refunds. Payments will be deposited by May 31st for eligible members who have provided ONA with their banking information.
8. What if I disagree with the dual dues refund amount I received?
If you disagree with the amount you receive, you may send a written request for a review. You must attach copies of your T4 forms from all your employers for the year 2022. Please ensure you include your ONA member ID number, social insurance number and current address on your correspondence.
Send your request and required information to:
- By mail to: Ontario Nurses’ Association
Attn: Dual Dues Refunds, Accounting Services Team
85 Grenville Street, Suite 400
Toronto, ON M5S 3A2 - By email to: DualDuesRefund@ona.org
The written request for the review must be received within 90 days from the receipt of the refund. Please allow four to six weeks for a response.
9. What if I did not receive a dual dues refund cheque and I feel I should have?
If you do not receive a 2022 direct deposit/dual dues refund cheque by July 30, 2023 and believe that you should have received one:
- Contact Dues and Membership at 1-800-387-5580, ext. 2200 or from the Toronto area, 416-964-8833, ext. 2200 to make sure that your contact and bank information on file is up to date.
- You must send a request for a review of your eligibility for a Dual Dues Refund. You must attach copies of your T4 forms from all your employers for the year 2022. Please ensure that you include your ONA member ID number, social insurance number and current address on your correspondence.
Send your request and required information to the address above or to DualDuesRefund@ona.org. Please allow four to six weeks for a response.
10. How long do I have to claim a dual dues refund?
ONA will only investigate inquiries concerning dual dues refunds for a period of two years following the year in which the dues were deducted. For example, inquiries for 2022 dual dues refunds must be made by December 31, 2024.
11. I still have a question regarding dual dues. How do I contact a specialist?
If you didn’t find the answers you need in this FAQ, you can contact us at DualDuesRefund@ona.org, or call and leave a message at 1-800-387-5580, ext. 7788 or from the Toronto area, 416-964-8833, ext. 7788.
