Strike deadline looms at Sault’s Group Health Centre

A day before a strike was to begin, Group Health Centre and CUPE Local 894 in Sault Ste. Marie reached a tentative contract Thursday. (File)

Members of CUPE Local 894 who work at the Group Health Centre in Sault Ste. Marie have voted in favour of a strike to back their contract demands and are scheduled to hit the picket lines July 26.

The sides will meet July 25 with a mediator in hopes of averting job action.

“We had hoped to reach an equitable agreement at the bargaining table with our employer, but unfortunately we’ve been offered subpar wages that we just can’t accept,” Tracy Fabbricino, president of CUPE Local 894, said in a news release Monday.

“Members of Local 894 are over worked, stressed, and burned out. Our workloads have increased but our pay hasn’t. Something has to change, and it has to change now.”

CUPE Local 894 represents more than 220 health care workers and clerical support teams at GHC, including registered practical nurses, social workers and physiotherapists.

It’s governed by a board of directors and a leadership team comprised of doctors who work at the centre and other professionals in the Sault Ste. Marie area, CUPE said.

GHC made news earlier this year when it de-rostered more than 13,500 patients, and the centre said more patients are at risk of losing their family doctor this year on top of the 10,000 patient loss that occurred in May.

“These front-line workers desperately need an equitable wage increase that reflects the cost of living and high inflation rates to battle the recruitment and retention issues the Group Health Centre continues to face,” CUPE said in the release.

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In their news release, GHC said if a strike occurs, a plan is in place “to continue providing health care services, minimizing disruptions in care as best as we can.”

“We are disappointed to be in this situation, and frustrated for our patients whose access to primary care may once again be impacted,” the GHC release said.

“Appreciating the crucial role of our team and the current economic conditions, the most recent agreement included a 9.5 per cent wage increase over a three-year period. The wage increases and other compensation improvements are in line with the sector across the province and represent a substantial increased investment by GHC of approximately $1.5 million over three years.”

Tentative agreements rejected

In recent years, GHC said it has negotiated contracts with CUPE, including a 3.75 per cent increase in 2023, “as well as a financial signing bonus for members.”

“In the years prior, negotiated and agreed-upon wage increases were reflective of the environment at that time and aligned with the healthcare sector,” the health centre said.

Two tentative agreements were already negotiated in February and June of this year, but “neither of these agreements were accepted by the members.”

“We remain committed to reaching a resolution at the negotiation table so that we can continue to focus on our priority to deliver care to our community.”