The SEIU Healthcare Collective Agreement 2019: What You Need to Know
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Healthcare is a union that represents healthcare workers in Canada. In 2019, SEIU Healthcare negotiated a new collective agreement with the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) that will impact thousands of healthcare workers across the province.
The SEIU Healthcare Collective Agreement 2019 covers a range of healthcare workers, including nurses, personal support workers, and housekeeping and dietary staff. The agreement includes several key provisions that will impact workers in the healthcare industry.
One of the most significant changes in the new agreement is a wage increase for all healthcare workers covered under the agreement. Workers will receive a 6.1% wage increase over the next three years. This increase is higher than the rate of inflation and will help workers keep up with the rising cost of living.
The agreement also includes improvements to job security and protection against workplace harassment and violence. Workers will have a greater say in scheduling and will be able to refuse overtime in certain circumstances. Additionally, the agreement includes new provisions for leaves of absence, including domestic violence leave and bereavement leave.
For healthcare workers, the issue of staffing levels has been a significant concern for many years. The new agreement includes language that requires hospitals to maintain appropriate staffing levels in order to ensure the safety of patients and workers. This provision will help ensure that healthcare workers are not overworked and that patients receive the care they need.
Finally, the agreement includes provisions for education and professional development for healthcare workers. The agreement includes funding for new training programs, as well as increased support for workers who want to pursue further education and training.
Overall, the SEIU Healthcare Collective Agreement 2019 is a significant win for healthcare workers in Ontario. The agreement includes a range of benefits and protections that will help workers maintain a decent standard of living and ensure their safety and well-being in the workplace. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, it is essential that workers are protected and supported, and this agreement takes a step towards achieving that goal.