Norfolk County Files Bad Faith Bargaining Application Against ONA

SIMCOE, ON, April 27, 2012 /CNW/ - The Corporation of Norfolk County has filed application before the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) alleging that the Ontario Nurses Association (ONA), who represent the County's 32 public health nurses, and its representatives have engaged in bad faith bargaining.

"It became clear that the Union did not want to achieve a negotiated resolution when they withdrew key elements from its previously tabled offer which County Council was set to review", said Keith Robicheau, County Manager.  "Additional allegations and assertions have been raised in our application regarding the improper conduct of the ONA and its representatives that ultimately contributed to the breakdown in negotiations and our inability to avoid a strike".

The County bargained in good faith in an effort to avoid a strike, remained at the bargaining table and never walked away from a potential deal.  The County continues to be available to meet with the union and work towards a negotiated agreement that will get our nurses back to work providing the excellent services that our residents have come to expect.

County staff have been working hard to try and minimize the impact on those residents who require public health services and social services, including Ontario Works and we will continue to do so, despite the Union's unlawful attempts to block access to the County's properties.

Keith Robicheau, County Manager
519-426-5870 ext. 1225