The following was sent by the Hastings Prince Edward Public Health Unit
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is currently in the process of negotiations with unionized staff represented by Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) local 3314. HPEPH is open to continuing negotiations, however as CUPE will be in a legal strike position on September 22, 2023, HPEPH is preparing for the possibility of work stoppage.
As HPEPH staff represented by Ontario Nurses’ Association Local 31 (ONA) continue to exercise their legal right to strike, several services offered by HPEPH have been temporarily disrupted since mid-August. We appreciate the patience of the public throughout this service disruption.
While HPEPH is optimistic that an agreement will be reached with both parties, with the continued ONA work stoppage and in preparation for a potential work stoppage of CUPE staff, some HPEPH programs, clinics, and classes are being proactively cancelled to avoid last minute notification to clients. HPEPH’s service disruption notice has been updated to reflect these cancellations.
If an agreement is not reached with CUPE and/or ONA, HPEPH services will be temporarily limited to core public health services critical to protect public safety. Our service disruption notice will be updated accordingly.
The health and wellbeing of our community is our top priority and, as has been shared over the past few weeks, plans are in place to address the disruption in services. The patience and understanding of the community are appreciated as we work to maintain core public health services and continue efforts to resolve the current labour disruption fairly and responsibly.
If you are coming to the HPEPH offices, here are a few things to keep in mind regarding the picket line:
- In the event of a work stoppage by both CUPE and ONA, public access to HPEPH offices will be limited.
- Picketers can’t stop visitors and clients from entering the property, although some delays should be expected.
- Picketing is a legal activity. Please be respectful of the picketers.
- Picketers are allowed to communicate information to the individuals entering the property (eg. hand out flyers).
- Picketing should not include threats, intimidation, or aggressive behaviour.
- Picketing should not impede traffic or cause road safety issues.
- Do not force your way through the picket line but wait until the path is open and proceed carefully. Pedestrians always have the right of way.
