Advocacy groups also denounce lack of imagery tech bonuses in Pontiac

Advocacy groups also denounce lack of imagery tech bonuses in Pontiac

In an echo of yesterday’s press conference by elected officials, two advocacy groups gathered outside the Pontiac Hospital in Shawville on June 14 to denounce the recent decision by the provincial government to grant bonuses to imagery technicians in all regional hospitals except for Pontiac and Wakefield.

Local citizens group Pontiac Voice were joined by newly formed coalition SOS Outaouais to demand that the government equalize the payments across the region.

The initial bonuses were meant to stem the tide of employees leaving for work in Ontario, where starting salaries for many positions are much higher, however Outaouais officials expressed concern back in May that bonuses exclusive to the city would drain employees from peripheral hospitals.

Pontiac Voice founder Josey Bouchard said that on top of the proximity of several Ontario hospitals, local workers might be tempted to work elsewhere within the Outaouais if the pay is higher.

Jean Pigeon, the spokesperson for SOS Outaouais, explained that his group’s aim is to advocate on behalf of the citizens of the Pontiac and the rest of the region.