CUPE members at Leeds, Grenville, and Lanark District Health Unit vote in favour of strike action

Some employees of the Leeds, Grenville, and Lanark District Health Unit may soon be going on strike.

A Sept. 5 media release from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), states that members of Local 1559 have voted in favour of strike action.

“This means that if a deal is not reached with the employer soon, public health services that many residents depend on could be disrupted,” the release says.

Local 1559 President Merima Kostecki, who represents 78 members at the Leeds, Grenville, and Lanark Public Health Unit, said that negotiations with the employer have been ongoing since April.

“Unfortunately, have not been able to reach an agreement that is fair for our members,” she said. “While we hope that a strike can be avoided, the local is preparing to take action if necessary.”

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 the health and safety of residents and prevent chronic disease, illness, and injury. Many CUPE 1559 members work in supporting roles that keep the business at the health unit running efficiently. These include clerical staff, communication coordinators, purchasers & property administrators, graphic designers, multimedia and web specialists, and caretakers.

The media release says that for years, members of CUPE 1559 have seen their wages fall behind those in neighbouring health units, while inflation and the rising cost of living have also made it harder for them to make ends meet.

“We believe our members who do similar work to those in neighbouring health units should be paid similar wages,” Kostecki said. “We are asking for a fair increase that recognizes this, and that helps close the pay gap for our lower-paid members that has grown over the years as the cost of living has eaten away at their wages.”

While there is currently an application with the provincial government for a merger between health units at Leeds Grenville and Lanark, KFL&A, and Hastings and Prince Edward Counties, Kostecki noted that there is no guarantee that it will be approved.

“Whether the merger goes through or not, Leeds Grenville and Lanark Board of Health is currently our employer, and it is up to them to come to the table and negotiate a fair agreement for our members. Public health in our community matters, and so do public health workers.”

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