More labour woes for the Grey Bruce Health Unit.
The negotiating team for the Ontario Nurses Association Grey Bruce presented the final offer from the health unit to the 44 nurses this week.
The nurses overwhelmingly rejected the offer.
The union will file a no board report and the public health nurses will be in a legal strike position as of October 18th.
Ironically, the main issues are wages and benefits — the same issues that led to a 10 week strike by health unit office and clerical staff just a few months ago.
ONA Bargaining leader Sandy Rennick is optimistic they can finalize a new contract before a strike.
Both sides are scheduled to meet with a mediator on October 16th and 17th.
But Rennick says if the health unit wants to return to the negotiating table before then, they will open discussions.
The last two contracts for Grey Bruce public health nurses were finalized at the 11th hour.
The public health nurses have been without a contract since December 31st.
The Ontario Nurses Association claims public health nurses in Grey Bruce are in the bottom one third in every aspect of contracts.
Public health nurses in Grey Bruce provide a range of services — including health education and promotion, outbreak protection and provide sexual health clinics.
