News Release                              For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                         May 1, 2008

Contract Negotiations with OPSEU Local 276 – Clerical Support

The Grey Bruce Health Unit has a plan in place to maintain delivery of Public Health services should members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union Local 276 – Clerical Support move forward with job action against the employer. All essential services will be maintained although there may be reductions or delays in delivery of low risk programs.

The union reports wages to be the outstanding issue seeking an 18% increase. It is the policy of the Board of Health to determine wage levels based on comparison to positions in similar sized health units as identified in salary reports from the Association of Local Public Health Agencies (alPHa). Additionally current contracts with the Bluewater Board of Education, Grey Bruce Health Services, Grey County, Bruce County and several municipal employers are used to make this assessment. The employer’s offer of $20.55  an hour plus benefits, in the first year, would maintain union members in the upper third of this grid.

The union demands significant enhancements in benefits including permitting employees to carry benefits beyond the term of employment, a 200% increase in prescription eyeglasses coverage, full drug/dental coverage, full chiropractic services, as well as coverage of certain health-care procedures de-listed by OHIP. 

A new building for the Health Unit under construction in Owen Sound is unrelated to this labour issue. A capital accommodation budget provides for construction while day to day program and service, including staff salaries, are drawn from a separate operations budget. Altering spending on this new facility will have no impact on operational budgets. The new building will improve accommodation for all Health Unit staff with the result of enhancing delivery of services to the public.

The Board of Health is committed to providing public health services to the residents of Grey and Bruce Counties in an efficient and cost effective manner. It is the board’s position that a negotiated settlement remains the best chance for successful resolution of outstanding issues. We welcome at any time, with or without third party assistance, the resumption of meaningful contract discussions.

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For more information:                                             

Chris Munn                                                            June Van Bastelaar

Director Health Protection                                       Board of Health

Grey Bruce Health Unit                                           Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 235                 519-832-5800