Nurses and Health-Care Professionals on Strike at North York Family Health Team

Strategic Insights -

Nurses and health-care professionals from the North York Family Health Team, who provide care and services to approximately 95,000 people, have gone on strike in response to the failure of their employer to negotiate a fair collective agreement. The strike is supported by the Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA), which represents the workers. The union is questioning the financial decisions made by the board of the health team, alleging that funds provided by the provincial government were used to address budget deficits instead of being redirected towards retention and recruitment of staff.

Key Takeaways:

  • 44 nurses and health-care professionals from the North York Family Health Team are on strike, providing care to approximately 95,000 people.
  • The strike is being led by the Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA) in response to the failure of the employer to negotiate a fair collective agreement.
  • The union is questioning the financial decisions made by the board of the health team, alleging that funds provided by the provincial government were used to address budget deficits instead of being redirected towards retention and recruitment of staff.
  • The strike includes a range of health-care professionals, including 18 registered nurses, three nurse practitioners, two registered practical nurses, eight social workers, and several pharmacists and physician assistants.
  • The ONA is also calling for the government to hold the health team's board of directors accountable for using funding as directed by the government for retention and recruitment of staff.

Statistics:

  • 95,000 people receive care and services from the North York Family Health Team.
  • 44 nurses and health-care professionals are on strike.
  • 18 registered nurses, three nurse practitioners, two registered practical nurses, eight social workers, and several pharmacists and physician assistants are among those on strike.
  • 68,000 registered nurses and health-care professionals are represented by the Ontario Nurses' Association.
  • 18,000 nursing student affiliates are also represented by the ONA.

Sources:

  • Ontario Nurses' Association