A rally by CUPE workers took place in front of Northumberland – Peterborough South MPP David Piccini’s office on Thursday, March 17, 2022.
CUPE health care workers gathered outside Piccini’s office on Peter Street at approximately 2 p.m.
There were a number of different speakers including Sue Burnell who is President of CUPE Local 2628 which represents 315 workers (125 RPN, the rest are housekeeping, clerical, kitchen staff) at Northumberland Hills Hospital.
Approximately 50 health care workers showed up asking the Provincial Government to repeal Bill 124 which is a 1% increase.
“With the inflation rate being what it is we’re actually taking decrease every year.”
“We’re just barely making ends meat to begin with.”
Burnell said some staff go in for a eight hour shift and end up doing a 12, 16 or even a 20 hour shift because they are so short staffed.
“Everyone is burning out and walking away from the health care field.”
In one week 11 staff members quit.
“Eleven staff is not acceptable when there is only 315 of us.”
Burnell said, kitchen and housekeeping are understaffed and added, “our nurses are extremely short.”
“We’re feeling overwhelmed and guilty because we can’t give the patient care that we so want too.”
Burnell said the 1% increase isn’t bringing in, “any new blood.”
“We had one girl leave because she was going to get more money at a factory.”
With people leaving in droves, “whose going to take care of these patients?”
Burnell said the answer is to bargain in good faith.
“If they let bargain in good faith that would bring more staff into the hospital because they will realize we are not restricted. We’re not being choked off by the government.”
Even adding incentive programs to get RPN’s into schools.
“It’s very scary times at NHH.”
“I don’t think there is anyone of us that doesn’t hit that front door, take that deep breath and go, “should be just turn around and go home.”
“Because we’re not sure what’s going to happen.”
There has always been a lack of nursing staff says Burnell, but COVID, “was the last button that got pushed.”
“Anybody who was on the fence prior to this, COVID just pushed them.”
The hope of Burnell is the Government repeals Bill 124 and they renegotiate.
“We’re here, we are always going to be here so – let’s talk.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
