Nurses at Lambton Public Health Demand Fair Contract

Sarnia, ON., October 21, 2024 – More than 40 registered nurses at Lambton Public Health – members of the Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) – head to conciliation this week to demand a new contract that values their immeasurable contributions to their community.

“Public health nurses are the first line of defense to keep our communities strong and healthy through illness prevention,” says Erin Ariss, RN and ONA Provincial President. “Lambton Public Health nurses are demanding fair wages and are no longer willing to put themselves and their own welfare last. Nurses need a fair new contract so they can continue providing the care Lambton residents need and deserve.”

Lambton Public Health nurses serve a vast area, covering 11 municipalities across 3,000 square kilometers. They support workplaces, families, schools and health-care settings. They offer a wide range of specialized services, clinics and classes including prenatal, healthy babies, healthy children, immunization and sexual health clinics, and harm reduction programs.

“Since well before the pandemic, nurses have struggled to be able to take time off for themselves and their families. The lack of support and respect are two of the many reasons nurses leave their job,” says Ariss. “If Lambton Public Health wants these nurses to stay, they need to negotiate a fair new contract that values and respects these workers.”

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