Better wages and better staffing ratios.
Those were the main demands of Ontario Nurses Association Local 21, who were picketing outside Hillside Manor on Thursday.
According to the association, 49 nursing homes across the province hosted information pickets. Employees concerns include better wages, benefits and safer working conditions.
John Lowe, Ontario Nurses Association Regional VP, said nurses are being maxed out while on the clock.
“Nursing home nurses are paid 11 percent less than those who work in the hospital sector, but their workloads are not easier at all,” said Lowe.
“There are often one or two registered nurses in a home of 60, 80, 100 residents and when you’re stretched to the max…proper care doesn’t get seen to when they’re maxed out.”
He said when everyone is stretched thin, it doesn’t lead to good recruitment strategies or retention.
The association hopes for their demands to be met.
Lowe encourages the general public to reach out to nursing homes, Ministry of Health and Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae to raise pressure for the nurses.
