Potential Strike Will Impact Several Public Health Services
Written by admin, March 9, 2015
March 9, 2015 – Visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca for Updates on March 13
Audio Clip: Dr. Rosana Salvaterra
The Peterborough Public Health would like to advise residents that a potential strike could impact operations at local public health facilities, as early as March 13.
A total of 85 employees belonging to two unions (CUPE 4170 has 53 members, ONA local 3 has 32 members) have been negotiating a new collective agreement with the Board of Health. These employees provide services in the areas of public health inspections, community support workers, dental care, health unit administration, tobacco enforcement, youth development work, public health nursing, and others.
The Board continues its efforts to negotiate a fair collective agreement with both unions. However, if a new contract cannot be reached, these employees are in a lawful strike position as of Friday, March 13 at 12:01 a.m.
Contingency plans are in place, which are designed to ensure the continuity of essential public health services in the event of a strike. If this happens, Public Health will remain open between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., however, several services and programs will be affected. Residents are advised that an inclusive, up-to-date list of affected services will be available online at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca if there is a labour disruption.
Individuals who continue to access public health services are reminded that there could be picket lines at Public Health locations. Please keep the following tips in mind, as safety is very important to us:
- Be prepared for large crowds.
- If arriving by car, please drive slowly. You may accept or decline brochures/flyers.
- Be patient and courteous; try to keep the conversation to a minimum.
- Arrive early; allow for extra time since delays are likely.
- Inappropriate behaviour, by either side, is not acceptable (and possibly illegal). Security services will be on hand to assist if necessary.
The Board of Health remains hopeful that conciliation meetings planned with both unions during the week of March 9 will avoid a labour disruption.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
705-743-1000, ext. 391