The Ontario Nurses Association and OPSEU are going to outline their concerns with recent cutbacks and layoffs at the Health Unit.
OPSEU President Warren “Smokey” Thomas says they also want to hear the concerns from local residents.
In fact, Thomas says he will stay as long as he needs to so everyone can express their concerns.
The community forum begins at 7 PM tonight at the Days Inn in Owen Sound.
Thomas says the unions will outline the long list of concerns and complaints from they have from their staff.
Thomas points to the bitter eight week strike last Spring by OPSEU workers.
He claims the raise given to the Medical Officer of Health this year would have covered the workers salary demands.
Thomas also claims the Grey Bruce Health Unit has cut a third of clerical staff and now the inspectors are doing clerical work — and not working in the community.
Thomas also claims the Health Unit has one Manager for every five employees — where other companies have one Manager for twenty employees.
Management from the Health Unit are not planning to attend tonight’s meeting.
Medical Officer of Health Doctor Hazel Lynn is at a meeting in Western Canada.
Thomas says management should not be afraid of public accountability since they are spending the public’s money.
Both OPSEU and the Ontario Nurses Association have asked the Ministry of Health for a review of the operations of the Grey Bruce Health Unit.