As a strike involving the public health nurses enters its fifth week, there is some hope of a return to the bargaining table between the Ontario Nurses’ Association Local 31 and the Hastings Prince Edward Public Health Unit.
Speaking with Quinte News, ONA Local 31 President Joshua Davidson Marcon says they’re hoping to see some movement after a conversation with HPEPH.
“We’re hoping to be back at the table either the end of this week or the beginning of next week,” Davidson Marcon tells Quinte News.
“We did have a meeting with the employer, not in negotiations, but just to discuss some ways to get back to the table. So we’re hoping that we’re going to be able to get back to the table this week, if not early next week, and then have some reasonable and meaningful communication and some discussion about trying to end the strike.”
The revelation comes as a September 22 strike date for CUPE members with Hastings Prince Edward Public Health looms.
Davidson Marcon says ONA and CUPE have been working together in anticipation for potential strike action for CUPE.
“Not to go into too much detail, but yes, CUPE and ONA are combining their efforts to try to end or to limit the length of the strike for both sides,” Davidson Marcon says.
“Once CUPE is on the picket line, then we would anticipate that that would amp up even further, because our fight is for similar things.”
With the strike entering its fifth week, Davidson Marcon says the morale of the nurses has been reinvigorated as they continue to engage with members of the community.
“Just the fact that we’ve actually been out in the community and actually talking to community members and doing kind of what we really love to do,” Marcon Davidson explained.
“We’ve actually been able to connect with a lot of people and create those bonds and feel the support from the community.”
ONA Local 31 is continuing to make their voices heard in the community.
The public health nurses plan to be in attendance for Quinte West City Council on Wednesday.
