Strike would affect 165,000 residents: ONA
Following two days of failed negotiations, public health nurses, registered nurses and nurse practitioners with the Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) are heading into conciliation talks with Public Health Sudbury and Districts in Sudbury, Ont. on Sept. 24 in an attempt to avoid a strike.
“We are committed to reaching an agreement with this employer without being forced to withdraw our services. A strike would disrupt the vital services that our members provide to the 165,000 residents in Greater Sudbury as well as the districts of Sudbury and Manitoulin,” says Vicki McKenna, ONA president.
The contract for these nurses — who provide a wide range of services for about 165,000 residents — expired last March, says McKenna.
ONA expects this employer to “negotiate a fair collective agreement that values the care nurses provide to their community,” says McKenna. “No nurse ever wants to be forced to withdraw services, and we believe this employer does not wish to see services withdrawn either. The community’s health and wellness is too important, and we hope to see respectful and productive conciliation tomorrow.”
ONA represents 65,000 registered nurses and health-care professionals, as well as more than 18,000 nursing student affiliates, providing care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health, the community, clinics and industry.
