Contract talks involving the Ontario Nurses Association are heading to arbitration.
The ONA says more than a week of bargaining and two days of mediation failed to come to an agreement with the Ontario Hospital Association.
President Erin Ariss is frustrated and angry.
Every round of bargaining in the past 14 years has been decided through arbitration.
“It’s no surprise contract talks with the OHA were once again unsuccessful – negotiating with the OHA is like Groundhog Day,” says Ariss.
One of the sticking points in the ONA’s request for hospitals to implement nursing ratios to ensure they are adequately staffed.
“The OHA tabled regressive, concessionary proposals. They opposed our demand for safe staffing by introducing nursing ratios. A deal cannot be achieved when those on the other side of the table are so completely disrespectful,” says Ariss.
The two sides will now go before an arbitrator in April.
