Since 2020, approximately 65 people have left their jobs at the center, it said in a release
Workers in Sault Ste. Marie Group Health Center says the quality of care will decline without improving working conditions.
According to the release, salaries are not in line with other health agencies in the region. The problem was exacerbated by the three-year wage cap that was imposed on workers by the Ford government through Bill 124.
In addition, the employees did not receive the pandemic payment provided to other healthcare workers.
The announcement also says that since 2020, nearly 65 people have left their jobs at the center.
For more information, read the news release below:
Workers in Sault Ste. Marie Group Health Center warns that without improving working conditions, the quality of care will deteriorate at the center, which provides health services to most of the Sault Ste. Marie and residents of Algoma County.
“We are all extremely proud to work in Sault Ste. Marie Group Health Centre, especially given its history as a public health model. But the reality is that working conditions have deteriorated and this is hurting morale and the quality of care. At the heart of the problem is the center’s inability to attract and retain staff,” said Melinda Gennis, president of Local 894 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents workers at the center.
Salaries are not competitive with other health agencies in the region. The problem is compounded by the three years of wage restraint that was imposed on downtown workers by the Ford government with Bill 124. On top of that, they were denied the pandemic pay afforded to other frontline health workers.
As of 2020, approximately 65 people have left their jobs at the center. This has increased pressure on remaining staff as the center struggles to attract registered practical nurses, administrative support staff and ultrasound technicians to keep up with demand for services. It also means an increased workload and less time for staff to respond to patient needs.
“There is a real problem in health care across our province where funding and wages have been below inflation for years. We are all doing our best to make things work, but we cannot continue to hold the healthcare system together by will alone. We need a fair deal from Group Health Center to attract and retain workers so we can continue to provide a high standard of care,” Genys said.
The Sault Ste. Marie Group Health Center was founded in 1963 by local members of the United Steelworkers. Today, it provides health services to more than 70,000 residents of the area.
CUPE Local 894 members include administrative support staff, registered practical nurses, medical technologists and technicians, respiratory and physical therapists, social workers, nutritionists and many others in clinics and doctors’ offices in Sault State. Marie area.
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