Unfortunately, as an AI language model, I am not able to provide personal experience. However, I can provide an article on “ONAHospital contract 2021” based on my analysis of various sources.
The ONA Hospital Contract 2021: What You Need to Know
The Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) announced on June 8, 2021, that it had reached a tentative agreement with the Council of Hospitals of Ontario (COHO) for a new hospital contract. The agreement covers over 65,000 registered nurses and allied health professionals working in hospitals across Ontario.
The agreement has yet to be ratified by the parties involved, but if it is, it will be effective from April 1, 2021, until March 31, 2023. Here are some of the key highlights of the proposed agreement:
Wages and Benefits
The agreement includes a 1.75% wage increase in each year of the contract, effective April 1, 2021, and April 1, 2022. The increase will apply to all nurses and allied health professionals covered by the agreement. Additionally, there are some changes to benefits, including an increase in the annual amount of the Professional Responsibility Allowance (PRA) and the Education and Professional Development Fund (EPDF).
Staffing and Working Conditions
The ONA and the COHO have agreed to establish a centralized staffing office to support nurses and allied health professionals in hospitals across Ontario. The new office will provide assistance with staffing levels, workload, and other staffing-related issues.
The agreement also includes provisions for improved scheduling practices, including a requirement for employers to give nurses and allied health professionals their schedules four weeks in advance. Additionally, the agreement clarifies the process for nurses and allied health professionals to refuse overtime and provides more flexibility for scheduling vacation time.
Health and Safety
The proposed agreement includes a number of provisions related to health and safety. For example, it requires employers to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to nurses and allied health professionals as needed and provides for joint health and safety committees in every hospital.
Professional Practice
The agreement includes provisions for improved professional practice, including the establishment of a Joint Professional Practice Committee (JPPC) in every hospital. The JPPC will provide a forum for nurses and allied health professionals to discuss issues related to their professional practice and to make recommendations for improvement.
Conclusion
The ONA Hospital Contract 2021 is a significant agreement that will impact thousands of nurses and allied health professionals working in hospitals across Ontario. The proposed agreement includes wage increases, improvements to benefits, and provisions for improved staffing and working conditions, health and safety, and professional practice. If ratified, it will provide stability and support to healthcare workers during a challenging and uncertain time.