Unifor is calling on the Norfolk General Hospital Board of Directors to intervene in stalled contract talks, accusing the hospital of refusing to follow provincial arbitration standards that have been applied across Ontario’s health-care sector.
Unifor National President Lana Payne says the pattern of arbitration awards at comparable hospitals is clear, yet NGH remains one of the few employers refusing to adopt it.
According to Unifor, NGH has declined to finalize issues both sides already agree on unless workers accept the hospital’s entire proposal.
The union says the hospital’s stance is harming morale, worsening retention challenges, and putting added pressure on patient care.
Local 302 President Kevin Phillips said members are tired of being treated differently than workers in other Ontario hospitals.
Unifor says it is prepared to settle on reasonable and equitable terms, consistent with recent arbitration outcomes.
The union, which represents 320,000 workers across Canada, is urging the board to step in and direct the employer back to the table.