March 21, 2025
Dear Members:
The recent hiring initiative at Health PEI, aimed at transitioning part-time and casual employees
into permanent full-time positions, is a positive step toward addressing the staffing challenges in healthcare across the province. This initiative, brought forward by Health PEI in collaboration with the healthcare unions, offers hundreds of healthcare workers – across dozens of critically important and specialized professions – an opportunity to attain job security and a steady income. Currently, this includes approximately 120 IUOE positions across more than 50 classifications. Evaluations are ongoing to identify additional areas that will benefit from this initiative, with more opportunities for our members expected in the near future.
The creation of these full-time positions is designed to increase staffing levels within departments, making schedules more resilient to sick calls and better able to accommodate vacation requests and other time-off needs. Over time, this should reduce burnout among healthcare workers and help provide a clearer picture of ongoing staffing needs, which continue to affect all healthcare professions. Permanent full-time positions will not only help retain current staff but also serve as a more attractive option for recruiting new employees into the system.
At IUOE, we recognize that due to family, lifestyle, or other personal needs, not everyone currently working part-time or casually will be able to transition into full-time employment. Rest assured, the intention as we understand it, is that your positions are not being replaced or eliminated as part of this initiative. Opportunities to pick up shifts will still be available, and you will continue to play a vital role in the delivery of healthcare in PEI.
While this initiative is a positive step toward solving staffing challenges at Health PEI – one that we have actively advocated for – it is just that: a step. As we continue to work alongside the employer to develop initiatives that improve staffing levels and working conditions, IUOE will also continue to hold them accountable if they fall short of their commitments
In Solidarity,
Chad McNeill
President IUOE Local 942