Communication to Members- September 2026 ONA34 Updates
Welcome to September, ONA34 members!
I hope everyone had an opportunity to enjoy some sunshine, time with family and friends, and a well-deserved break over the summer. It is always bittersweet as we transition into fall we and return to our regular routines. September is a great time though to reflect on the strength and importance of the labour movement and the difference that collective action has made for working people.
Celebrating Labour Day and the Labour Movement
Labour Day in Canada is more than the unofficial end of summer. It is an opportunity to recognize the generations of workers and union members who came together to advocate for fairness, dignity, safety, and better working conditions.
Many of the workplace rights we may take for granted today were achieved through the collective efforts of workers and unions. The labour movement has helped advance things such as the eight-hour workday, paid vacation, statutory holidays, overtime protections, workplace health and safety standards, pension and benefit protections, parental and other leaves, protection against discrimination and harassment, and the right to collectively bargain.
These achievements remind us that progress happens when workers stand together. Our collective voice continues to matter, particularly in healthcare, where nurses advocate every day not only for themselves, but for safe workplaces, quality patient care, and a strong public healthcare system.
Your ONA34 Team Continues to Work for You
While summer may be winding down, there has been no slowdown for your ONA34 representatives. We continue to actively advocate on behalf of members and address issues affecting our workplaces.
Our work continues in a number of important areas, including:
- Supporting members through grievances and the arbitration process;
- Assisting members with return-to-work and accommodation matters;
- Advocating for safe staffing and addressing workload concerns;
- Raising and responding to health and safety issues;
- Supporting members when workplace concerns arise;
- Working with members and representatives to ensure your collective agreement rights and entitlements are respected;
- Continuing to hold the employer accountable when policies, practices, or decisions negatively impact our members.
We know that navigating workplace issues can sometimes feel overwhelming. You do not have to navigate them alone. ONA34 is here to support you, advocate for you, and work collaboratively with you toward solutions.
Workload Education Sessions Return This Fall
After taking a brief hiatus during the peak summer holiday period, ONA34 workload education sessions will resume this fall.
These sessions are an important opportunity to learn more about workload concerns, the workload process, and how members can use the tools available to them to raise concerns and advocate for safe, quality patient care.
We strongly encourage members to attend these sessions. Education is an important part of strengthening our collective voice. The more members understand their rights, the collective agreement, and the processes available to them, the better equipped we are to identify concerns and work together to address them.
Education will continue to be a priority for ONA34. In the fall, we will also be asking members for their input through a survey about education topics they would like to see offered. While workload education will remain an important focus, we want to hear from you about other topics that would be valuable to your practice and your understanding of your rights as an ONA member.
Please watch for the survey and take the time to share your ideas. Your feedback will help shape future ONA34 education sessions.
Your Voice Matters
As we move into the fall, I encourage every member to stay informed, ask questions, and reach out when something does not seem right. If you have a question or concern about your rights, entitlements, scheduling, workload, health and safety, accommodation, return to work, or any other workplace issue, please contact your ONA34 at local034@ona.org.
Our strength comes from our members. The labour movement was built by workers who understood that, together, we have a stronger voice than we do individually. That principle remains just as important today.
Thank you for everything you do each day for your patients, your colleagues, and our profession. I am proud of the work ONA34 continues to do on behalf of our members, and I am equally proud of the solidarity, professionalism, and commitment our members demonstrate every day.
Wishing everyone a safe, healthy, and successful start to the fall season.
Together, we are ONA34. Together, we are stronger.
In solidarity,
Ann Scott
Bargaining Unit President
ONA Local 34
Website: ONA 34
