A poll from our union in 2023 showed that more than 60% of registered practical nurses (RPNs) in Ontario were considering leaving the profession due to low wages, short staffing, and unsafe working conditions, which put quality care for patients, residents, and clients at risk.

From the results of that poll, we launched the Drive to $35 and safe staffing, a campaign that demanded a $35/hour minimum base wage for every SEIU Nurse and safe nurse-to-patient ratios that are written into our collective agreements.

Since then, we’ve been successful in meeting the $35/hour goal in our hospitals and long-term care homes, but retirement and homecare employers continue refusing to meet this demand.

Our fight is never over and as SEIU Nurses, we show up! Click the button below to demand the following:

• Increased wages for all nurses, including a $35/hour minimum base wage for retirement home and home care SEIU Nurses.
• Safe nurse-to-patient ratios that are written into our contracts and enforced