More than 70 registered nurses at Southwestern Public Health have reached a new three-year collective agreement that includes long-awaited wage increases and improved compensation for clinic work done outside regular hours.
The Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA), which represents the group, announced the deal on Monday after a round of conciliation that extended into the early morning hours. The nurses, based in St. Thomas and Woodstock, had been among the lowest paid compared to peers at other public health units in the region.
Wage fairness and job access improved
The new contract addresses compensation disparities and includes provisions to enhance access to professional development opportunities for full-time staff through the internal job posting process.
“The working conditions of nurses are the conditions of care for clients and residents,” said Erin Ariss, ONA Provincial President. “When you improve their wages and ensure respect in the workplace, the whole community benefits. These improvements will help to retain staff and ensure continuity of care.”
Picket and public support played a role
The agreement follows a public information picket and march organized by the nurses to bring attention to their bargaining concerns. The union acknowledged the support of community members and allies who voiced their backing to the Southwestern Public Health Board of Health during negotiations.
“As the measles outbreak continues in this community, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to invest in front-line nurses in public health,” said Ariss. “While these wins are a step in the right direction, the provincial government must increase funding for public health units.”
Continued commitment to care
With key priorities addressed, the nurses say they are eager to continue delivering high-quality and timely care to the communities they serve.
The ONA represents 68,000 registered nurses and health-care professionals across Ontario, along with 18,000 nursing students. Its members work in hospitals, long-term care, public health, community settings, clinics, and industry.
