The Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) is calling for a “respectful” new collective agreement as fifty public nurses head to conciliation tomorrow (Friday).
ONA Provincial President Erin Ariss says the nurses are responsible for approximately 200,000 residents in Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes and Northumberland, and “deserve a respectful new contract for the vital work they do”.
According to the union, the nurses have been without a contract since January 1 of this year, and there has been just one day of negotiations.
Dr. Natalie Bocking, medical officer of health and the health unit’s chief executive officer, says on behalf of the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge, District Health Unit, they commend and support the work the nurses do to keep our communities safe and advance population health.
“Both parties previously met, made considerable efforts to find agreement, and mutually agreed to move to conciliation,” adds Bocking. “We look forward to meeting with ONA tomorrow and continuing work towards a new collective agreement.”
