Huron County Public Health Nurses at Mediation: Legal strike deadline is tomorrow

CLINTON, ON, March 1, 2013 /CNW/ - Public Health Nurses at the Huron County Health Unit are at mediation today, hoping to avert a strike that could begin as soon as tomorrow.

"Our Public Health Nurses are very committed to reaching a deal with the County of Huron, and they sincerely hope their employer feels the same way," said Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA) President Linda Haslam-Stroud, RN. "ONA members believe a strike is unnecessary and easily avoided if the employer simply steps up to the plate and treats them with the respect they deserve."

Huron County Council is demanding concessions that are unacceptable regarding issues that have been in the contract for a long time. Nurses hope that these issues can be settled today to avoid a strike.

Huron County Public Health Nurses work to ensure the community is protected against outbreaks, that babies have the best possible start to life, that people receive the education and support they require and so much more. The nurses have been honoured with an Innovation Award for their outstanding efforts during the H1N1 pandemic and immunization campaign, prompting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Nancy Cameron to say how proud the Health Unit is of them.

"This group of Public Health Nurses and ONA have worked incredibly hard to have a great relationship with this employer," says Haslam-Stroud. "Let's hope today's mediation session results in a tentative agreement that respects the excellent work our nurses perform."

ONA is the union representing 60,000 registered nurses and allied health professionals, as well as more than 14,000 nursing student affiliates providing care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health, the community, clinics and industry.

SOURCE: Ontario Nurses' Association

Ontario Nurses' Association

Sheree Bond    [phone], ext. 2430/cell: [phone], [email protected]

Melanie Levenson   [phone], ext. 2369, [email protected]

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