Nurses at Windsor Essex County Health Unit Reach Agreement

WINDSOR, ON., October 25, 2024 – About 84 registered nurses and registered practical nurses (RPNs) at the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, represented by the Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA), have reached a new collective agreement with their employer.

Earlier this week, nurses ratified a three-year collective agreement after two rounds of conciliation, where fair wages and hours of work were key issues. Nurses achieved wage increases of 8.5 per cent over three years and language around flexible working hours.

The agreement comes after ONA members hosted two public information pickets to raise awareness about their demands and encourage the public to put pressure on the employer. The nurses are grateful to community members who supported nurses in their fight for fairness from the Windsor Essex Board of Health.

Nurses at WECHU are some of the lowest paid at the province’s public health units. They provide a range of services for children, families and older adults.

With their two priorities addressed in the new agreement, nurses are eager to continue providing the high quality and timely care residents need and deserve.

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

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To arrange an interview, contact:

ONA Media Relations, media@ona.org