OMA COUCIL REJECTS DEAL

Nov. 26/04 OMA Council Rejects Deal

& 2005 Membership Campaign Begins

The Council of the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) has solidly rejected the proposed contract offer from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care; it did not meet all the needs of the physicians and patients of Ontario.

Further, OMA Council has directed the OMA Board to create a new negotiating team that includes "an experienced non-physician lead negotiator" and that a "replacement Legal Advisor external to the OMA shall be appointed by the OMA Board".

This new team, the sole body approved by Council to negotiate a new deal, will send a strong message to the government that it will have its own unique style and character; a fresh approach to contract negotiations, and a mandate to start anew building on certain positive aspects of the rejected deal.

Council resolved "That a priority order of business of the new Negotiations Committee be to obtain agreement on a binding arbitration clause to be used in the event of negotiations impasse. This agreement clause is to be approved by the OMA Board." Should the Negotiations Committee succeed in this endeavour, it would represent a new and welcome hard-fought-for concept. This solid negotiating foundation is essential for a successful contract outcome; it will assist the newly created team to meet the needs of all physicians and our patients.

The Coalition of Family Physicians of Ontario will closely monitor this process and provide regular reports to you in the coming months; your ongoing support is critical to take full advantage of our ability to continue our advocacy efforts on your behalf.

Click here to read our entire bulletin and join or renew the COFP for 2005 (PDF)