CUPE 1559, representing public health workers at Leeds, Grenville, and Lanark District Health Unit, LGLDHU, return to the bargaining table this week with the assistance of a Ministry of Labour Conciliation Officer. Workers have been without a contract since April of this year.
“It’s discouraging to see it come down to this,” says Merima Kostecki, CUPE 1559’s president.
“Our members have been struggling to make ends meet for years. Some earn 20% less than those in neighbouring health units for the same work. They’re leaving for better opportunities, and we’re sounding the alarm because residents deserve better.
“As a resident and a mother, I’m concerned, as we all should be. Safe drinking water, clean restaurants, immunization, dental screening, and home visits for new families are evidently undervalued by Premier Doug Ford and local MPP Steve Clark.
“We were at the forefront of the pandemic response just a couple of years ago, at the cost of our own health and well-being. Have the board of health and municipalities forgotten our unwavering dedication to public health?”
While many other workers had to stay home, public health workers were redeployed to deal with case and contact management and outbreak control. Public health measures they implemented and enforced slowed the spread of COVID-19 significantly, as did their expert advice to the public. Their mass immunization efforts were unparalleled, which saved countless lives in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark.
CUPE 1559 members work in the community as public health inspectors, hygienists, dental assistants, health promoters, registered practical nurses, smoke-free Ontario inspectors, family home visitors, and communicative disorders assistants. They promote residents’ health and safety and help prevent chronic disease, illness, and injury.
Members also fulfill supporting roles that keep the health unit’s business running efficiently. These include clerical staff, a communication coordinator, purchaser and property administrator, graphic designer, multimedia and web specialist, and caretakers.