Grand River Hospital workers rally to stop layoffs and service reduction

KITCHENER, ON, May 21, 2019 /CNW/ - On Wednesday, May 22, Grand River Hospital health care workers represented by Unifor, Ontario Nurses Association, Ontario Public Service Employees Union and United Steel Workers will rally to stop layoffs, service reductions and demand the employer respect the commitment made to the unions on moving to the pension plan that covers hospital workers across the province.

"The newly hired CEO at Grand River Hospital is making his mark by issuing lay-offs and reducing services," said Naureen Rizvi, Unifor Ontario Regional Director. "Added to that is his disrespect for his workforce by attempting to stop the move to a pension plan that he himself has the benefit of enjoying."

The Health Care of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) is a joint contributory plan that has been in place for most hospital workers for decades. It offers greater security to retire, after a career of what can be physically and mentally demanding work.

Grand River Hospital has given notice of lay-off to 60 employees including RPN's RN's clinical assistants, personal support workers and clerical staff.  While some employee's were redeployed to vacancies, the net result is a reduction in services, as well as future jobs in the communities served by the hospital.

What: Grand River Hospital workers rally to stop layoffs and service reduction
When: Wednesday, May 22, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: Kitchener - Grand River Hospital at 835 King St. West.
Who: Unifor Ontario Regional Director, Naureen Rizvi, hospital workers represented by Unifor, and health care advocates.

"Addressing the deficit by harming the quality of patient care is a recipe for disaster. These service reductions and layoffs will increase patient wait times and ultimately hurt the Kitchener-Waterloo community, and is a direct contradiction to the pre-election promises of the Ford Government who committed no public sector workers would lose their job," continued Rizvi.

Unifor represents more than 30,000 health care workers in hospitals, long-term care, emergency services, and community and social services.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

SOURCE Unifor