We, a group of  Ontario Nurses are launching a campaign for exemption from Bill 124, Protecting a Sustainable Public Sector for the Future, which has the potential to become binding as of May 31, 2021

Bill 124 directly affects the care nurses are able to provide to the public by taking away nurses’ right to fair and equal pay, asking nurses to continue to do more with less.  

Capped at 1%, nurses earn less than inflation, continuing a 10-year trend, and restricts negotiation for a fair wage increase. This wage suppression  undervalues the work of nurses and minimizes the critical role we play as the first line of defence in patient care and public health.

A recent question put to nearly 30,000 Nurses resulted in the alarming knowledge that hundreds have left or are preparing to leave the profession as soon as possible.

We have witnessed a staggering loss of lives during Covid. Denied vacation and time to recuperate and reflect, we are chronically understaffed, our safety threatened.  We watch our peers suffer breakdowns while the responsibilities mount. Many work with NO sick pay and NO benefits. 

This pandemic has highlighted years of inequalities that we have until now, accepted. We are exhausted and  frustrated at trying to exist  in a broken system under yet another government who fails to hear us. 

Nurses have the responsibility to ensure public safety and care is a priority.  It is our professional obligation to speak out when this is threatened. 

Nurses spoke about atrocities in Long Term Care for decades, and no one listened. Well, now we aren't talking, we are shouting! Nurse retention is further threatened with Bill 124. 

We deserve fair and equal pay and  the right to bargain. 

Nurses  continue to show up for you in the midst of chaos, providing the best care we have the capacity to give. Putting our own fears and families aside to be there for patients during an unprecedented global pandemic. 

We ask that you support us in our FIGHT, so that we can CONTINUE to fight for YOU.  We MUST exempt Nurses from Bill 124. Stand up for nurses, speak out, and please SIGN the petition.

We the Nurses of Ontario thank you, 

- Ontario Nurses United-