Several Public Health services that involve the work of nurses remain unavailable, as a strike continues.
Ontario Nurses’ Association members who are employed with Hastings & Prince Edward Public Health have been off the job since August 21.
The work stoppage means that immunization clinics, sexual health clinics, and smoking cessation programs are not running.
Also, a nurse-family partnership program, a Baby & Me Drop-in program and breastfeeding consultations aren’t happening either.
In a recent statement, Hastings & Prince Edward Public Health officials said a final contract offer presented to ONA members in August was rejected, leading to the strike.
“The patience and understanding of the community are appreciated as HPEPH continues efforts to ensure that service disruptions are minimized,” the statement reads.
Meanwhile, ONA members plan to picket outside Public Health’s Belleville office on Wednesday
In a statement released Tuesday, ONA says it’s bargaining for “better wages that reflect the value of (nurses’) work and rising cost of living.”