Members of another union appear to be joining nurses from Hastings Prince Edward Public Health on the picket line and it will result in the disruption of most Public Health services and the closure of offices.
About 50 nurses, members of The Ontario Nurses’ Association have been on strike since August 21 and Friday, Public Health employees, members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 3314 will also walk off the job.
The news comes from Hastings Prince Edward Public Health which, in a release Thursday afternoon, said CUPE members will exercise their legal right to strike as of tomorrow.
The members of CUPE include support staff, dieticians, health inspectors, and other workers.
Due to the labour disruption, HPEPH offices in Picton, Quinte West, and Bancroft are closed effective September 22.
The Belleville office is closed, except for select services for pick-up or by appointment only as indicated in the Service Disruption Notice which can be found on the Public Health website.
Meanwhile, talks between the Health Unit and ONA resumed Thursday but the union says they lasted only minutes before parties left the bargaining table with no agreement and no end to the strike in sight.
Read the full release from HPEPH below:
Staff at Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) who are represented by CUPE Local 3314 are exercising their legal right to strike as of tomorrow, Friday, September 22. The nursing staff at HPEPH, who are represented by the Ontario Nurses’ Association, have been on strike since August 18.
Due to the labour disruption, HPEPH offices in Picton, Quinte West, and Bancroft are closed effective September 22. The Belleville office is closed, except for select services for pickup or by appointment only as indicated in the Service Disruption Notice. Visitors to HPEPH offices should be prepared to be delayed by a picket line.The patience and understanding of the community are appreciated.
HPEPH staff are vital and respected members of the public health team. During the course of negotiations with both unions, the HPEPH Board of Health and Negotiation Committee have worked diligently to balance the needs of unionized staff with those of the organization, and avoid a work stoppage. The organization remains committed to making the best offer possible to both unions within the limitations of its budget and mandate, while protecting jobs and the scope of services that HPEPH provides.
“The health and well-being of our community is our top priority, and plans are in place to address the further disruption in services,” says Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at HPEPH. “We will continue to provide critical services throughout the duration of the work stoppage to ensure public safety, and are hopeful that negotiations will continue with both unions so we can come to an agreement and restore regular service provision.”
If you are coming to the HPEPH offices, here are a few things to keep in mind regarding the picket line:
- Picketers can’t stop visitors and clients from entering the property, although some delays should be expected. If you have an appointment, give yourself extra time.
- Picketing is a legal activity. Please be respectful of the picketers.
- Picketers are allowed to communicate information to the individuals entering the property (e.g., hand out flyers).
- Picketing should not impede traffic or cause road safety issues.
- Picketing should not include threats, intimidation, or aggressive behaviour.
- Do not force your way through the picket line; wait until the path is open and proceed carefully. Pedestrians always have the right of way.
