Health Sciences North Health-Care Professionals Back in Arbitration, Seeking Better Care for Patients

SUDBURY, ON, June 25, 2024 – Almost six weeks after a first round of arbitration hearings and a large rally calling for respect for health-care professionals at Health Sciences North (HSN), the Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) bargaining team representing the workers will back in arbitration this evening.

“It is appalling that our skilled and dedicated health-care professionals have received so little respect from their employer and have been forced into arbitration for a new contract,” says ONA President Erin Ariss, RN. “If HSN had any regard for those on the front lines who provide such value to patients, they would have fairly negotiated a respectful contract. Instead of prioritizing the working conditions of those who deliver patient care, they have left our members severely short staffed and struggling to provide care and diagnostic services.”

HSN health-care professionals have been working without a current contract since June 2022. The hospital has failed to retain and recruit sufficient workers, including radiation therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and respiratory therapists. There are also a wide range of skilled workers in pharmacy, lab, and diagnostic imaging who are experiencing shortages.

“The shortages have resulted in patient delays in accessing diagnostic work and treatment, and the heavy workloads have left many health-care professionals burnt out,” notes Ariss.

ONA is the union representing 68,000 registered nurses and health-care professionals, as well as more than 18,000 nursing student affiliates, providing care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health, the community, clinics, and industry.

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To arrange an interview, contact:

ONA Media Relations, media@ona.org