Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/August 28, 2023
Today, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) Medical Officer of Health and CEO, Dr. Ethan Toumishey, and Director of Corporate Services, David Johnston, reinforced HPEPH’s commitment to all staff on the HPEPH team, to clients, and to community taxpayers, as the current work stoppage by nursing staff at HPEPH continues.
Nursing staff at HPEPH, represented by the Ontario Nurses Association (ONA) voted on August 18 to reject the final contract presented by HPEPH and exercise their legal right to strike. Both parties have agreed on all items presented in the contract with the exception of the proposed wage increase for ONA nursing staff. The offer presented retains the position of HPEPH nursing salaries among the highest of Ontario Health units, while also providing benefit enhancements.
As a result of the work stoppage, some HPEPH services have been temporarily disrupted or are being offered in an alternate manner. The patience and understanding of the community are appreciated as HPEPH continues efforts to ensure that service disruptions are minimized. HPEPH remains committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of the community, and part of this commitment includes being responsible with funding that is available.
“We recognize and value the efforts of all staff that are part of the HPEPH team,” says Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at HPEPH. “The work of HPEPH nurses and all other HPEPH staff is incredibly important to keep the community healthy and safe. However, we have a responsibility to provide programs and services to our clients within the available budget. A salary increase beyond what has been offered will impede our efforts to protect jobs, and impact the scope of services we are able to provide.”
“We recognize that the cost of living has increased for everyone,” says David Johnston, Director of Corporate Services. “Unfortunately, our available budget has not increased at the same rate. The contract presented to ONA members balances the need for a reasonable salary increase, while remaining fair to all those reliant on and impacted by our budget. This includes ONA staff, other HPEPH staff, clients, and all taxpayers.”
HPEPH maintains the position that the current offer is fair and reasonable for all impacted. HPEPH is optimistic that ONA will accept the offer presented and full regular service can resume.
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For more information contact:
Jessica Klein, Communications Specialist
jklein@hpeph.ca
HPEPH Communications Team
communications@hpeph.ca
About Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is a public health agency that serves the counties of Hastings and Prince Edward from four local offices. HPEPH is situated and provides services on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people. We monitor the health of our local population, deliver programs and services within our communities, and help develop healthy public policies. We provide information and support in many areas to help improve the health and well-being of our residents. Together with our communities, we help people become as healthy as they can be. For more information, please visit hpePublicHealth.ca. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
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