1. How do you know that hospital workers at UHN would get the same general wage increase as other hospital workers when we win the union?
The hospital sector in Ontario is highly standardized. CUPE represents the overwhelming majority of hospital clerical workers, and we set the pattern for collective agreements covering clerical workers. Even though UHN doesn’t participate in central negotiations between the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) and the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU/CUPE), CUPE members at UHN were still able to negotiate the same wage increases as all other CUPE hospital workers.
2. What would happen to my pension if I join CUPE?
UHN hospital workers are in the same Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) as other hospital workers in the province and you will continue to have your HOOPP pension plan. You will be stronger united with CUPE hospital workers across the province to defend your pension plan when it is threatened with cuts, and you will have CUPE representation on the HOOPP Board of Trustees.
3. What would happen to my benefits if I join CUPE?
CUPE hospital workers have comprehensive benefit coverage that varies by hospital. One of the most important benefit is that when you are unionized you have the power to negotiate improvements to the benefits plan and oppose cuts to benefits or increases to premiums.
If you have questions about benefits, contact Chi Srinivasan at ssrinivasan@cupe.ca.
4. What about vacation pay? How would that change when we are unionized?
Vacation entitlements will be the subject of negotiations when you and your co-workers negotiate your first collective agreement. With a union you and your coworkers can make vacation improvements a priority and fight for improvements through the negotiations process. Without a union the employer can change your entitlements as long as they comply the Employment Standards Act minimums.
5. I’m a single parent and worried about the employer finding out I signed a union card, I can’t afford to lose my job.
At no point in the campaign does the employer see a list of which workers have signed cards. It is illegal in Ontario for an employer to intimidate or interfere with workers organizing a union. Section 72 of the Ontario Labour Relations Act also precludes any person acting on behalf of the employer from threatening any kind of penalty for joining a union. If a management representative or someone acting on behalf of the employer approaches you or one of your coworkers and threatens or intimidates you, please let us know. Contact CUPE Organizer Chi Srinivasan at ssrinivasan@cupe.ca.
6. I had to take paid sick days to deal with a serious health issue and didn’t feel supported when I returned to work.
When you are unionized you have representation and support around sick leave and accommodation in the workplace. When you have a union contract there is a process and representation to be able to file a grievance if a leave or accommodation is denied.
7. What are union dues and how much do I have to pay?
Union dues are regular payments made by members of a labour union to support the activities and operations of the union. In CUPE locals set their own dues rate. Locals must collect a minimum of .85 per cent of regular wages in dues. After that, CUPE members vote to decide how much their local will collect above the minimum, and how their local will spend the funds. The breakdown of all local expenses is shared with the members through regular financial reports.
8. What is a collective agreement?
A collective agreement is a legally binding contract negotiated between an employer and a labour union. A collective agreement outlines the terms and conditions of employment for the covered workers. These terms and conditions are agreed upon by the employer and union through negotiations. A collective agreement provides details on your rights and protections at work. The key components of this agreement will include details on Wages and other compensation, hours of work, seniority rights, job protection, grievance and arbitration process, etc.
9. We have tried to organize a union before — why now? Is this time for real?
When you organize a union, you have the power to negotiate improvements at work. This is why some of your coworkers tried to form a union in the past.
To win a union, union organizing takes the majority of members to sign up and vote. The pandemic highlighted the resilience, dedication, and selflessness of healthcare workers, but it also highlighted the need for ongoing support, resources, and systemic improvements to ensure the well-being of workers in times of crisis.
Clerical workers at hospitals played an integral role during pandemic, but did not receive any recognition or compensation. While the time for organizing a union is always right, it is crucial that we unite now and demand what we deserve going forward.