Public Health nurses, RNs, RPNs may end up on strike

More than 40 public health, registered and registered practical nurses working with Hastings Prince Edward County Public Health may end up on strike next month.

Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) president Vicki McKenna, RN, states members have been working without a contract since December 31, 2017.

Following negotiations and a second conciliation talk Monday, the sides have failed to achieve a new agreement. The next step is mediation.

The nurses provide a range of services in Hastings and Prince Edward counties including vaccination clinics, monitoring and investigating infectious diseases and outbreaks, sexual health clinics, promoting harm reduction outreach services, prenatal care and support for families.

ONA is the union representing 65,000 registered nurses and health-care professionals, as well as 16,000 nursing student affiliates, providing care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health, the community, clinics and industry.