Politics matters. It’s core to what our union does to fight for members. While bargaining is where the details get sorted out to make gains and improve your collective agreement, the ballot box is where big breakthroughs are made possible. We use both to make progress for members like you.
But the truth is nurses have been left behind by Doug Ford’s provincial government. For two years in a row, SEIU Healthcare has called on Ontario’s finance minister to increase funding for nurses’ wages. And as contracts are re-opened and renegotiated, our bargaining teams will be demanding employers pay nurses what they’re owed. Our union position to the government and employers is that the starting minimum wage for registered practical nurses should be $35 per hour.
STEP UP. TAKE ACTION. In the last month, we witnessed the power of political action when Prime Minister Trudeau announced $1.709 billion dollars to support raising the minimum wage of personal support workers who struggle to make ends meet. That happened because PSWs knocked on doors, made phone calls, lobbied their local MPs, and told their stories to the media. They took action and are getting results. The lesson: when we fight, we win. It’s time to step up for all nurses. Will you join us on this drive to thirty-five?
Take 30 seconds and add your name to this petition to Premier Ford and his finance minister. Tell them their provincial budget this spring must include investments to raise wages for nurses, starting with at least $35 per hour for RPNs.