It has been the position of the physicians at the Family Health Organization (FHO) to not publicly discuss the status of on-going negotiations. We believe that fairness and respect hold us to a higher standard, which we have honoured in the past. We recognize that while negotiations may at times be contentious, resolution is best achieved by continuing to work together. The physicians of the FHO have always been committed to the patients in our care and we continue to work toward a fair settlement on their behalf. However, we also have an obligation to ensure that physician led care in our community is sustainable in the long term.

In November 2017, OPSEU Local 276 advanced an initial proposal which would have resulted in an average wage increase of nearly 28%. Such a cost increase was simply unsustainable. In addition, there was a request for enhanced benefits which would have also contributed to further costs to the employer. The next proposal, though slightly lower, was wholly inconsistent with other agreements/settlements in Ontario. When it became evident that our positions were too far apart, the Owen Sound FHO requested the appointment of a conciliator from the Ministry of Labour.

Earlier this month, with the encouragement of the conciliator the union recommended acceptance of an offer that would have seen an increase in wages and benefits comparable with other sector settlements and would have resulted in three more years of uninterrupted service for patients in our community. The physicians of the Owen Sound FHO ratified the agreement, despite the fact that it would continue to increase the costs of services. The employees did not accept the Union's recommendation and rejected the offer at ratification. The tentative agreement that was negotiated with the assistance of the conciliator reflects the need to treat employees fairly, while at the same time ensuring that patients in our care know we will be able to continue to provide the services that they've been accustomed to for years to come. It was, and remains, our hope that the employees represented by OPSEU Local 276 will appreciate the fairness of the offer made and they will ultimately support it.

Employees have received wage increases in 2013 and twice in 2014, along with lump sum payments in each of the two years of the last collective agreement (2016 & 2017). The pension package was also increased in 2014.

As physicians, we have long valued the support of our team members in providing care. This is evident in our willingness to fully fund pensions and benefits for our employees, as well as supporting wage increases that are higher than may be found in a private practice.

The physicians at the Owen Sound FHO, the employees represented by OPSEU Local 276 and the conciliator have been working hard to reach a fair and reasonable settlement. We all have a shared responsibility to reach an agreement that balances all the interests, recognizes the fiscal realities that we face and continues to ensure the delivery of quality medical services in our community.

The physicians at the Owen Sound FHO are working to ensure that, in the event of a labour disruption, patient care continues as best as possible. It is important to note that any dispute does not impact on physician care. Contingencies, should there be a disruption, will be posted on our website and shared through the media.

Background: The Owen Sound Family Health Organization (FHO) is a physician-funded organization that provides primary care to 33,000 rostered patients in our community. The majority of FHOs' in Ontario are independently operated by physicians and are designed to be responsive to local care needs. Physicians associated with the FHO establish and fund the staff that supports the physicians for patient care. This is the model that is used locally.

The amounts paid to physicians from the Ministry of Health does not account for the overhead costs associated with the running of the Clinic. Physicians in Ontario saw a 7% rate reduction over the past 5 years and have been without a contract with the Ministry of Health for several years. The Owen Sound FHO has seen a decrease in the number of rostered patients as physicians have left and others have changed their practices. We have not decreased staffing or service to patients. Many physicians have had to dedicate extra time to the administrative tasks and have had to face increased costs associated with human resource management.