Media Advisory - Nurses, Health-Care Professionals and Staff from Rapids Family Health Team Picket Local MPP's Office Today

SARNIA, ON, July 4, 2023 /CNW/ - Nurses, health-care professionals and other staff from the Rapids Family Health Team will be picketing and distributing pamphlets this afternoon at Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey's constituency office.

The 48 health team staff members ?represented by the Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA) ? have been trying to negotiate a respectful new collective agreement with their employer and head into conciliation talks tomorrow to try to avoid being forced to withdraw their services. The nurses and health-care workers provide services that range from primary care to special respiratory clinics that keep people out of the emergency department. They have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic and expect the dedication, skills and value they bring to the community to be recognized and rewarded. They have been without a contract since the end of 2022. Withdrawal of services would increase the workloads for Sarnia-area hospitals as patients would no longer have access to primary care or the range of health-care services available at this facility.

The nurses note that many of the policies of the Ford government have made negotiations for health-care workers more challenging and are targeting their Conservative MPP's constituency office for this picket. The picket and distribution of pamphlets will run from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Bob Bailey's office on Christine Street North in Point Edward. The group will speak with members of the community and are seeking their support. Conciliation talks will begin this week in an attempt to reach a deal.

ONA is the union representing 68,000 registered nurses and health-care professionals, as well as more than 18,000 nursing student affiliates, providing care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health, the community, clinics, and industry.

SOURCE Ontario Nurses' Association