There is some optimism in the latest contract negotiations at the Grey Bruce Health Unit.
A conciliation meeting was held last Friday between the health unit and the union representing its 44 full and part time public health nurses.
The bargaining rep for the Ontario Nurses Association — Sandy Rennick — says the nine-hour meeting was “better than expected.”
Rennick says both sides have agreed to meet with the conciliator again on September 8th and 9th.
The public health nurses have been without a contract since December 31st and wages and benefits are the main issues.
Rennick tells Beach News they remain far apart on both issues.
But she is optimistic they can reach a deal before talking about a strike.
If an agreement is not reached at the September meeting — the union can file a No Board report to be in a legal strike position.
Rennick says the recent 10-week strike by office and clerical workers weighed on their minds — but she adds their talks are like comparing “apples and oranges”.
The Ontario Nurses Association claims public health nurses in Grey Bruce are in the bottom one third in every aspect of contracts.
Rennick says they want to be in the middle of the pack in Ontario and they have done their own research into the contracts of other public health nurses.
Public health nurses in Grey Bruce provide a range of services — including health education and promotion, outbreak protection and provide sexual health clinics.
