Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/Sept 8, 2023
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is currently in the process of negotiations with unionized staff represented by Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) local 3314. HPEPH is open to continuing negotiations, however as CUPE will be in a legal strike position on September 22, 2023, HPEPH is preparing for the possibility of work stoppage.
As HPEPH staff represented by Ontario Nurses’ Association Local 31 (ONA) continue to exercise their legal right to strike, several services offered by HPEPH have been temporarily disrupted since mid-August. We appreciate the patience of the public throughout this service disruption.
While HPEPH is optimistic that an agreement will be reached with both parties, with the continued ONA work stoppage and in preparation for a potential work stoppage of CUPE staff, some HPEPH programs, clinics, and classes are being proactively cancelled to avoid last minute notification to clients. HPEPH’s service disruption notice has been updated to reflect these cancellations.
If an agreement is not reached with CUPE and/or ONA, HPEPH services will be temporarily limited to core public health services critical to protect public safety. Our service disruption notice will be updated accordingly.
The health and wellbeing of our community is our top priority and, as has been shared over the past few weeks, plans are in place to address the disruption in services. The patience and understanding of the community are appreciated as we work to maintain core public health services and continue efforts to resolve the current labour disruption fairly and responsibly.
If you are coming to the HPEPH offices, here are a few things to keep in mind regarding the picket line:
- In the event of a work stoppage by both CUPE and ONA, public access to HPEPH offices will be limited.
- Picketers can’t stop visitors and clients from entering the property, although some delays should be expected.
- Picketing is a legal activity. Please be respectful of the picketers.
- Picketers are allowed to communicate information to the individuals entering the property (eg. hand out flyers).
- Picketing should not include threats, intimidation, or aggressive behaviour.
- Picketing should not impede traffic or cause road safety issues.
- Do not force your way through the picket line but wait until the path is open and proceed carefully. Pedestrians always have the right of way.
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For more information contact:
Jessica Klein, Communications Specialist
jklein@hpeph.ca
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.
We invite community partners and residents to share this notice with their respective networks.
