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

Members of CUPE 1559, representing workers at Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, have voted in favour of strike action, meaning that if a deal is not reached with the employer soon, public health services that many residents depend on could be disrupted.

“We have been in negotiations with our employer since April, and unfortunately have not been able to reach an agreement that is fair for our members,” said CUPE 1559 President Merima Kostecki, who represents 78 members at the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Public Health Unit. “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 coordinator, purchaser & property administrators, graphic designers, multimedia and web specialist, and caretakers. 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.”