Bancroft’s Public Health office is closing today, as a labour situation intensifies.
Canadian Union of Public Employees who work for Hastings & Prince Edward Public Health have announced they’re on strike, as of Sept. 22.
They’ll join Ontario Nurses Association members employed with the health unit, who have been on strike since August 21.
“Due to the labour disruption, HPEPH offices in Picton, Quinte West, and Bancroft are closed effective September 22,” Public Health said in a statement. “The patience and understanding of the community are appreciated.”
CUPE is holding a rally in Belleville today.
The union released a statement saying “public health workers will be on strike for wages that come a bit closer to meeting the rising cost of living due to inflation and to secure sufficient funding for public health to protect our communities from transmissible diseases.”
Wages are also at the centre of the nurses’ strike.
Public Health’s statement noted that its negotiation committee is working “diligently” and is “committed to making the best offer possible to both unions within the limitations of its budget and mandate, while protecting jobs and the scope of services that HPEPH provides.”
The Bancroft Public Health office is in the Professional Services Building, attached to North Hastings Hospital, at 1P Manor Lane.