The possibility of a strike is on the table, but only as a last resort.
Vicki McKenna, the Provincial President with Ontario Nurses’ Association, says the contract that was put forth by Hastings Prince Edward Public Health was a regressive one. It takes away from multiple things with the Nurses’ benefits package being one of them.
McKenna says that this is all a part of the normal contract cycle, the possible strike is not. “This is the last thing they want to do,” McKenna says.
A conciliator with Ontario Labour Relations has been brought in to help. They have had one day of conciliation once in late June, but weren’t able to work out a new agreement. McKenna says they will be meeting again next week. “We’re going into next week with the idea that we will get a contract,” McKenna says. She mentioned that negotiations will continue into September.
“We understand things are tight, but that doesn’t mean this group of Nurses shouldn’t have to step back or receive less than what is considered to be fair,” McKenna says. She said multiple times that they aren’t asking for a lot during the negotiations. She said that while a new contract that properly compensates Nurses is important, it’s also important to make sure the relationship between Hastings Prince Edward Public Health and the Nurses isn’t damaged.
The over forty Nurses that have been working without a contract since December 31st, 2017 will continue to work while negotiations continue. A strike date has not been set.
We have reached out to Hastings Prince Edward Public Health for comment, but have yet to hear back.