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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Lucknow Sentinel, 2014-04-02, Page 66 Lucknow Sentinel • Wednesday, April 2, 2014 Ontario nurses, hospitals can't reach deal Antonella Artuso QMI Agency Ontario nurses and their supporters rallied at Queen's Park to complain that they are being overworked and under- valued following the breakdown of negotiations with the province's hospitals. Ontario Nurses Association president Linda Haslam -Stroud said nurses are being told that they're "rich" and should NEWS BRIEFS Hodgins Home Hardware broken into, televisions stolen South Bruce OPP are looking for information after a break-in at Hodgins Home Hardware in Lucknow, which they said took place sometime overnight on March 19-20, 2014. Police said the 600 block of Campbell Street was forcibly entered through a side window sometime between 6 p.m. On March 19 and 9 a.m. on March 20. Two televisions were taken, including a 32 -inch Akai model LCT3201ADC with serial number61021331 and a 37 - inch Prima model LC -37T26 with serial number 246A0LC37T26000235. There is no estimate available on the cost of damages caused by the break in. Anyone with information that can assist police to call 1-888-310-1122, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or send a web -tip to crimestop- gb.org, where tips could be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000. accept wage and benefit rollbacks. "I've been negotiating now for 34 years, I've been involved in provincial bargaining for most of those decades, this round to me is the most despicable in relation to the lack of value of the nurses," Haslam -Stroud said Wednes- day. "The government is basically say- ing they're going to balance the budget on our backs." Ontario Hospital Association negoti- ators demanded a 3% rollback in wages for new nurses entering the grid, a $26,000 loss over eight years, and changes to the shift differential and how experience is calculated for nurses who transfer between facilities, she said. In an ONA e-mail to members, nurses were told the OHA made a "ridiculous" offer, especially given the most recent wage increases to police and physicians. OHA president Anthony Dale said the two sides were unable to reach an agreement after months of talks and it is now before an arbitrator. Dale wouldn't provide the specifics of the OHA offer but said proposals were put on and taken off the negotiat- ing table. The hospitals — who have had their budgets frozen for two years — had hoped to reach a deal with nurses simi- lar to those obtained voluntarily with other employees who accepted annual wage increases of 1.4%, with half the hike offered as lump payments, he said. "It's always been a very respectful relationship and, from our point of view, it's going to continue to be that way," Dale said. "Where we're differing is just how much the hospital sec- tor can afford to give under the circumstances ... we felt what we had put forward was quite fair and reasonable." Haslam -Stroud said the offer failed to respect nurses but it's clear that the Kath- leen Wynne government is pulling all the strings behind the scenes. "I believe partly what's driving this is inappropriate funding for the hospitals," she said. "And the hospitals have been basically silenced and told that they are not to be out there in the press talk- ing about the lack of funding." Ontario Health Minister Deb Matthews said the prov- ince has hired 20,500 new nurses over the past 10 years, and the recent loss of 1,000 nursing positions is related to transformational change within health care. "We're really committed to our nurses," she said. Matthews said she consid- ers the negotiations to be a matter between the ONA and the OHA. "I don't think anybody's talking about a pay cut," Mat- thews said. Local singer among performers in concert In November of last year, the United Way released the song Where the Change Starts, a stirring tribute to the ideals and goals of the United Way movement. Written by staff member Brad Drake, the song brought together an ensemble of some of Bruce Greys most notable talents, and has been warmly received by all who have lis- tened to it. The United Way of Bruce Grey is proud to present an evening of unpar- alleled musical entertainment featur- ing the performers who came together and gave their talents on this worthy and inspiring musical project. Sponsored by the Society of Energy Professionals, Drake said the evening is guaranteed to be an incredible night of music and inspiration. The evening will feature \ffiCitaill Marnit ac DMOS Chad Mann 519-357-3015 www.kruzinmannlimos.com A Division of Lloyd Collins Construction Ltd. DOUG MILLER Certified General Accountant Accounting and tax services for 0 Individuals D Farmers Businesses U Corporations 86112 St. Helens Line Lucknow 519-528-2518 performances by The Mackenzie Blues Band, 2013 New Group of the Year at the Maple Blues Awards and two time Bruce Grey representative at the International Blues Competition in Memphis Tennessee. Down Right, Bruce Grey's best performing Funk Band. Huron -Kinloss' Brontae Hunter, a young phenom who will amaze you with her vocal talent and stage pres- ence far beyond her years. Dirty Mack, a band which show- cases decades of musical experience and a love of old time rock and roll. Our Shotgun Wedding, a local folk duo gaining popularity wherever they play with their well -crafted songs, catchy melodies and amazing vocals. Bob Robinson, formerly of Waking up Johnny Bob is a superb singer songwriter, guaranteed to entertain. "Rarely has there been this kind of opportunity to enjoy celebrating our incredible local talent, their ever present commitment to community, and the work and efforts of the United 5 -FAQ & DOE fON, Alex Peel Andy Garnmie Saturday, April 19th 2014 Knights of Columbus Center 99 Kerr Drive Wingham ON 9pm to lam Age of Majority Tickets $7 in advance • $10 at the Door Tickets available from family of the bride and groom or Call: 519-528-3219 Submitted The United Way of Bruce Grey is proud to present an evening of unparalleled musical entertainment featuring the performers who came together for the song "Where the Change Starts," a stirring tribute to the ideals and goals of the United Way movement. Local performers include Brontae Hunter and the Mackenzie Blues Band, along with many other artist from the region Way," said Drake. "We hope to celebrate the song, the work of the United Way of Bruce Grey and the always generous artistic talent that exists in our communities." The public is invited to the musical gala which is set to take place April 11 at 7 p.m., at Maple Hall in Port Elgin. Tickets are $30 with all proceeds going to The United Way of Bruce Grey. To reserve tickets call 519-376-1560. PARK THEATRE fGo0uicii 524-7811 Fri & Sat 6;308 0;15 Thur T:310 s toD ix.m April 04-10 • .1[0. • • 701 All 1%MT Fri & Sat 5:30 & 9:15 Sun - Thur 7:30 LfrI4.',l www.rnoviel inks.ca i.0 -KU-265-3438 • The Lucknow Sentinel Birthday Club ° Joshua Courtney April 2, 2011 - 3 years old Reed Helm • April 3, 2005 - 9 years old Tyler Ellis April 4, 2009 - 5 years old , ) Elizabeth Nelson April 5, 2005 - 9 years old Olivia Hanna April 5, 2011 - 3 years old Colban Liddle i *, April 8, 2007 - 7 years old • * Your child can be a member i of the Sentinel's birthday club call 519-528-2822 to register he iliCkEirrif Seillinel /--- 619 Campbell Street 519-528-2822 y_ hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimaiiiiiiiikvo,*" ''''' accept wage and benefit rollbacks. "I've been negotiating now for 34 years, I've been involved in provincial bargaining for most of those decades, this round to me is the most despicable in relation to the lack of value of the nurses," Haslam -Stroud said Wednes- day. "The government is basically say- ing they're going to balance the budget on our backs." Ontario Hospital Association negoti- ators demanded a 3% rollback in wages for new nurses entering the grid, a $26,000 loss over eight years, and changes to the shift differential and how experience is calculated for nurses who transfer between facilities, she said. In an ONA e-mail to members, nurses were told the OHA made a "ridiculous" offer, especially given the most recent wage increases to police and physicians. OHA president Anthony Dale said the two sides were unable to reach an agreement after months of talks and it is now before an arbitrator. Dale wouldn't provide the specifics of the OHA offer but said proposals were put on and taken off the negotiat- ing table. The hospitals — who have had their budgets frozen for two years — had hoped to reach a deal with nurses simi- lar to those obtained voluntarily with other employees who accepted annual wage increases of 1.4%, with half the hike offered as lump payments, he said. "It's always been a very respectful relationship and, from our point of view, it's going to continue to be that way," Dale said. "Where we're differing is just how much the hospital sec- tor can afford to give under the circumstances ... we felt what we had put forward was quite fair and reasonable." Haslam -Stroud said the offer failed to respect nurses but it's clear that the Kath- leen Wynne government is pulling all the strings behind the scenes. "I believe partly what's driving this is inappropriate funding for the hospitals," she said. "And the hospitals have been basically silenced and told that they are not to be out there in the press talk- ing about the lack of funding." Ontario Health Minister Deb Matthews said the prov- ince has hired 20,500 new nurses over the past 10 years, and the recent loss of 1,000 nursing positions is related to transformational change within health care. "We're really committed to our nurses," she said. Matthews said she consid- ers the negotiations to be a matter between the ONA and the OHA. "I don't think anybody's talking about a pay cut," Mat- thews said. Local singer among performers in concert In November of last year, the United Way released the song Where the Change Starts, a stirring tribute to the ideals and goals of the United Way movement. Written by staff member Brad Drake, the song brought together an ensemble of some of Bruce Greys most notable talents, and has been warmly received by all who have lis- tened to it. The United Way of Bruce Grey is proud to present an evening of unpar- alleled musical entertainment featur- ing the performers who came together and gave their talents on this worthy and inspiring musical project. Sponsored by the Society of Energy Professionals, Drake said the evening is guaranteed to be an incredible night of music and inspiration. The evening will feature \ffiCitaill Marnit ac DMOS Chad Mann 519-357-3015 www.kruzinmannlimos.com A Division of Lloyd Collins Construction Ltd. DOUG MILLER Certified General Accountant Accounting and tax services for 0 Individuals D Farmers Businesses U Corporations 86112 St. Helens Line Lucknow 519-528-2518 performances by The Mackenzie Blues Band, 2013 New Group of the Year at the Maple Blues Awards and two time Bruce Grey representative at the International Blues Competition in Memphis Tennessee. Down Right, Bruce Grey's best performing Funk Band. Huron -Kinloss' Brontae Hunter, a young phenom who will amaze you with her vocal talent and stage pres- ence far beyond her years. Dirty Mack, a band which show- cases decades of musical experience and a love of old time rock and roll. Our Shotgun Wedding, a local folk duo gaining popularity wherever they play with their well -crafted songs, catchy melodies and amazing vocals. Bob Robinson, formerly of Waking up Johnny Bob is a superb singer songwriter, guaranteed to entertain. "Rarely has there been this kind of opportunity to enjoy celebrating our incredible local talent, their ever present commitment to community, and the work and efforts of the United 5 -FAQ & DOE fON, Alex Peel Andy Garnmie Saturday, April 19th 2014 Knights of Columbus Center 99 Kerr Drive Wingham ON 9pm to lam Age of Majority Tickets $7 in advance • $10 at the Door Tickets available from family of the bride and groom or Call: 519-528-3219 Submitted The United Way of Bruce Grey is proud to present an evening of unparalleled musical entertainment featuring the performers who came together for the song "Where the Change Starts," a stirring tribute to the ideals and goals of the United Way movement. Local performers include Brontae Hunter and the Mackenzie Blues Band, along with many other artist from the region Way," said Drake. "We hope to celebrate the song, the work of the United Way of Bruce Grey and the always generous artistic talent that exists in our communities." The public is invited to the musical gala which is set to take place April 11 at 7 p.m., at Maple Hall in Port Elgin. Tickets are $30 with all proceeds going to The United Way of Bruce Grey. To reserve tickets call 519-376-1560. PARK THEATRE fGo0uicii 524-7811 Fri & Sat 6;308 0;15 Thur T:310 s toD ix.m April 04-10 • .1[0. • • 701 All 1%MT Fri & Sat 5:30 & 9:15 Sun - Thur 7:30 LfrI4.',l www.rnoviel inks.ca i.0 -KU-265-3438