Healthcare Conference

The 20th annual Healthcare Stewards Conference took place April 11 – 12, 2024 in Toronto where nearly 100 members from the HOPE Sector met for two days of learning and networking.

The agenda included a warm welcome from Local 175 President Kelly Tosato and Secretary-Treasurer Jim McLean, and the conference was emceed by Local 175 Recorder and Registered Nurse Karen Vaughan.

Over the two days, delegates heard from and took part in a number of educational sessions.

• Arbitrator William Marcotte spoke to the stewards about the arbitration process including proper evidence, deciding facts from evidence, the role of the arbitrator, the pros and cons of taking a grievance to arbitration, and more.

• Sherry Simo, Occupational Health & Safety Inspector, discussed Workplace Harassment & Violence Policies, the various roles of the Ministry, understanding the law and the roles and responsibilities of the workplace parties, and how to report incidents and how those reports are investigated or dealt with.

• Jane Mulkewich, Legal Department Director for the Union, gave a presentation on Bill 124, the impact it had on our members, and the Union's participation in the successful charter challenge to have it overturned. On November 22, 2023, Bill 124 was found unconstitutional because it violates the freedom of association. Despite an appeal by the Ford government, that ruling was upheld in a decision on February 12, 2024, and Ford was forced to repeal his own law.

• Jorge Lasso, an investigator and trainer, addressed the topic of workplace investigations. Jorge explained what a workplace harassment investigation is, why and how they are conducted, the duties of employer, the importance of accurate report writing, and the legal process.

Stewards took part in a workshop on Workplace Violence & Harassment. The group discussed the definition of harassment and protected grounds with real life examples, and what to do when in a given situation. Participants also talked about prevention, the Ontario Human Rights Code, and work refusals as well.

The conference concluded with stewards participating in various town hall meetings where they were able to ask questions of Local Union experts in health and safety, workers’ compensation, the law, workplace representation, and pay equity.