Media Advisory - ONA President, First Vice-President to join Thunder Bay Public Health Nurses on the Picket Line, Rally to be Held Friday Afternoon

THUNDER BAY, ON, Oct. 18, 2018 /CNW/ - Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA) President Vicki McKenna, RN, and First Vice-President Cathryn Hoy, RN, will join striking Thunder Bay Public Health Nurses on the picket line tomorrow morning. The ONA leaders share the concerns of the 58 members who have been forced by their employer to withdraw services.

"We had hoped that this employer would come to the table prepared with a fair, equitable and respectful offer for our members," said McKenna. "As nurses, I know they are concerned about their clients and the members of this community not having access to the excellent, high-quality services and programs ? including influenza vaccination clinics ? that the community needs and deserves."

McKenna and Hoy both remain optimistic that the employer will return to the table and ensure that this strike is brief. "Nurses care first and foremost about those we care for," said McKenna. "We are here to support our dedicated members in calling for fairness, equity and respect for Thunder Bay Public Health Nurses."

Thunder Bay District Public Health Nurses have been working without a contract for close to two years; they remain the lowest-paid Public Health Nurses in Ontario.

Also on Friday, the Public Health Nurses are holding a rally between 2:00 and 5:30 pm at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit.

ONA is the union representing more than 65,000 registered nurses and health-care professionals, as well as 16,000 nursing student affiliates, providing care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health, the community, clinics and industry.

SOURCE Ontario Nurses Association