Health-care workers in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark vote in favour of strike
The union representing 78 health-care workers with the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit (LGLDHU) says its members have voted in favour of strike action, meaning they could hit the picket lines if a deal with the health unit isn't reached.
"We have been in negotiations with our employer since April, and unfortunately have not been able to reach an agreement that is fair for our members," said Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1559 President Merima Kostecki in a news release Thursday. "While we hope that a strike can be avoided, the local is preparing to take action if necessary."
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
CUPE spokesperson Eric Bell tells CTV News Ottawa no strike deadline has been set, but the vote gives the union the power to call a strike should it become necessary.
"The local is engaged in the conciliation process with an appointed conciliator and the employer after failing to reach an agreement through bargaining," Bell said. "This vote in favour of strike action gives the local the power to use it, should the conciliation process fail. So, a strike is not imminent, but could be possible in the not too distant future should the two sides not reach an agreement in conciliation."
The union says its workers have seen wages fall behind those in neighbouring health units while still seeing the same rising cost of living. Workers include public health inspectors, hygienists, dental assistants, health promoters, registered practical nurses, smoke free Ontario inspectors, family home visitors, and communicative disorders assistants, as well as in support roles clerical staff, communication coordinators, purchaser & property administrators, graphic designers, multimedia and web specialist, and caretakers.
LGLDHU medical officer of health Dr. Linna Li said the health unit would not discuss specifics of bargaining at this time.
"We respect our CUPE employees and value the important public health work they do in our communities. The bargaining process is still ongoing so we are not willing to discuss specifics at this time, and we remain optimistic that we can reach a deal during the next steps of the process," Li said in an email to CTV News Ottawa.
Earlier this year, the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Board of Health voted in favour of a voluntary merger with the neighbouring Kingston, Frontenac Lennox and Addington and Hastings Prince Edward public health units to create the Southeast Health Unit.
CUPE notes that the merger has not yet taken place, so it must continue to bargain with the LGLDHU.
"Whether the merger goes through or not, Leeds Grenville and Lanark Board of Health is currently our employer, and it is up to them to come to the table and negotiate a fair agreement for our members. Public Health in our community matters, and so do public health workers," Kostecki said.
The Ministry of Health says merger discussions remain ongoing.
"Our government is continuing to work with our public health partners to strengthen the capacity, stability and sustainability to build healthier communities across the province," a statement to CTV News Ottawa said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A passing comet could shine as bright as Venus. Here are the best viewing times
This eye-catching celestial event is around the corner and will appear in the skies this fall.
Mortgage loan rules are changing in Canada
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland has announced changes to mortgage rules she says are aimed at helping more Canadians to purchase their first home.
Body recovered from B.C. lake after unclothed man leads investigators to crash site
Mounties are investigating a fatal crash north of Whistler, B.C., after an unclothed man who was found along the side of the road led police to a pickup truck submerged in a lake with one occupant still inside.
Man suspected in apparent assassination attempt on Trump charged with federal gun crimes
Ryan Wesley Routh portrayed himself online as a man who built housing for homeless people in Hawaii, tried to recruit fighters for Ukraine to defend itself against Russia, and described his support and then disdain for Donald Trump -- even urging Iran to kill him.
Jane's Addiction cancels tour in the wake of an onstage fight
The alternative rock band Jane's Addiction has scuttled its latest tour following an onstage scuffle between lead singer Perry Farrell and guitarist Dave Navarro.
'Never seen anything like this': Humpback whale catches unsuspecting seal off Vancouver Island
A Vancouver Island nature photographer says he has never seen anything like what his camera captured on a recent whale-watching excursion off Victoria.
Former military leader Haydn Edmundson found not guilty of sexual assault
Former vice-admiral Haydn Edmundson has been found not guilty of sexual assault and committing an indecent act, concluding a trial that began in February.
Fall back: When does the time change?
The signs of the upcoming autumn season are here as Canadians are starting to notice the skies getting darker earlier, and brightening later.
'Oh, he's still alive': Sask. pharmacy student caught snooping on medical records of 114 people
A fourth-year pharmacy student doing an internship at a Regina drug store was caught snooping on the medical records of 114 people who were not in their care.