Wage Increases for Paramedical Employees in New Contract Restricted by Bill 124 Provisions

Dunnville, ON—Paramedical employees working at Haldimand War Memorial Hospital in Dunnville ratified a three-year collective agreement providing wage increases limited to one percent per year by the provincial government’s Bill 124.

The employees are represented by Grand River Valley Health Care Workers Union, CLAC Local 305. The union has represented them since January 2013.

“Bill 124 is applied yet again to a group of overworked and underpaid healthcare workers,” says Michael Reid, CLAC Ontario healthcare coordinator and lead negotiator for the union. “With worker shortages becoming an increasing issue, our members will see a six or seven percent pay cut when counting for inflation. How does that address the need for more workers in the healthcare sector?

“The government must come to the bargaining table and address the wage component because it is one of the key elements necessary to attract and retain hospital staff.”