St. Joseph’s Healthcare accuses staff of plotting to disrupt hospital operations

St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (SJHH) is accusing its employees of planning to disrupt hospital operations.

A memo sent to staff reads, in part: “…the hospital has been made aware of threats of possible unlawful strike actions by certain employees, including coordination of unit-wide sick calls and concerted actions not to accept shifts…”

“Employee’s who are found to be encouraging, threatening or participating in unlawful strike activity may be subject to discipline.”

SJHH declined an interview Thursday, instead they sent a statement that acknowledged the past three years have been challenging for healthcare workers. In the statement it says they have hired 831 nurses in the past year. There are currently 255 full-time nursing positions open.

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The Ontario Nurses Association (ONA) “urges caution” about the hospital’s allegations.

“There are deep-rooted systemic issues around understaffing and excessive overtime for which our members need solutions. We have raised these concerns with the employer and have asked for concrete action,” said ONA in a statement.

Two unions are holding a press conference outside St. Joseph’s Healthcare at 10 a.m. on Friday.

They say a recent poll shows 60 per cent of registered practical nurses in the province are thinking of quitting because of burnout, violence and dangerous working conditions.

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