A hospital in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has announced that it will now provide retro payments to former non-union staff members who worked during the pandemic. Oak Valley Health, which operates Markham Stouffville Hospital, initially informed some former employees that they would not be eligible for compensation. However, the hospital has now reversed its decision.
The retro payments are being offered in response to Bill 124, which capped wage increases for many public sector employees at one percent per year over a three-year period. It was ruled unconstitutional, leading to retro payments being distributed to staff at hospitals across the province. These payments have been provided through arbitrated settlements with various unions representing hospital workers.
While compensation for non-union employees is at the discretion of individual hospitals, Oak Valley Health has decided that all non-union staff members, both past and present, will receive the retroactive payments. This decision comes after two former registered nurses at Markham Stouffville Hospital were initially told that they would not be eligible due to no longer working at the facility.
The hospital acknowledges the hard work and sacrifices made by its staff during the pandemic. The retro payments are seen as a way to recognize their efforts, even for former employees. Oak Valley Health believes it is the right thing to do, despite not all Ontario hospitals providing these retroactive payments to non-union employees.
Former non-union staff members can expect to receive their retro payments on December 6. Oak Valley Health will be notifying former employees via mail and email.
Overall, this decision reflects an acknowledgment of the contributions made by non-union hospital staff during the pandemic and demonstrates a commitment to fair compensation for their work.
Definitions:
– Retro payments: Payments made to compensate for past work or wages.
– Bill 124: Legislation that capped wage increases for many public sector employees in Ontario at one percent per year over a three-year period.
– Arbitrated settlements: Agreements reached through arbitration between parties involved in a dispute.
– Non-union employees: Employees who are not part of a labor union.
Sources:
– Source article: [Insert source name and link here]
Note: URLs are not provided in this response for source article and definition sources