Hastings Prince Edward Public Health services are basically shut down as CUPE public health workers join nurses on the picket line Friday.
Members of CUPE Local 3314, including 70 public health inspectors, dental assistants and hygienists, dieticians, health promoters and other workers went on strike at 12:01 a.m..
They’ve been without a contract since January 1.
While there were some negotiations Thursday, the union says there was no movement to meet workers’ reasonable, necessary, and affordable proposals on wages and benefits.
The union says members are striking for wages that come closer to meeting the rising cost of living due to inflation and to secure sufficient funding for public health.
“Public health workers and nurses do life-saving work for the residents of the counties,” said Kim Craig, public health inspector and President of CUPE Local 3314.
“My coworkers and I are putting mayors Neil Ellis and Jim Harrison, plus premier Doug Ford on notice that we will not allow corners to be cut on the vital public safety services and care we provide to residents.”
Public Health nurses, members of the Ontario Nurses Association, have been on strike since August 21.
Both sides also returned to the bargaining table briefly Thursday but ONA says negotiations broke down after only minutes.
CUPE and ONA are holding a joint rally Friday at noon in front of the Public Health office at 179 North Park Street in Belleville.
Due to the labour disruption, HPEPH offices in Picton, Quinte West, and Bancroft are closed effective Friday.
The Belleville office is closed, except for select services for pickup or by appointment only.
Read HPEPH’s updated service disruption notice here.
