www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday August 10, 2007 - 9 Strike deadline looms for Halton's public health nurses Halton's public health nurses and regional officials hope to agree on a new contract later this month as a strike/lockout date looms. The public health RNs, members of Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA) Local 1, have been without a contract since March 2006. In a news release, the ONA said a membership meeting held July 23 saw the rejection of the Region's "final offer" by a "significant majority" of the registered nurses who provide services in Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Georgetown and Acton. The ONA said the vote was 60-5 to reject the offer. The legal strike/lockout date for Halton Public Health nurses and the Region is Tuesday, Aug. 21. "The ONA remains hopeful that a mediation session scheduled for Aug. 20 will be successful in reaching an agreement," stated the news release. Public health nurses provide a range of programs, from parental support for vulnerable families and flu vaccine inoculations to mental health. They also provide travel health counseling and immunization, oversee sexual health clinics, injury prevention services for youths, adults and seniors, mental health counselling, referrals and ongoing support. Other services include outbreak protection and control for diseases such as tuberculosis, flu, hepatitis, HIV and meningitis. Halton employs 67 full-time, 27 permanent part-time and 17 casual public health nurses. "No community wants to be without its public health nurses," said ONA President Linda Haslam-Stroud, "especially as we near the start of the school year and flu season approaches. A strike is the last, last resort, but our members need to be taken care of so they can continue to care for others." Wages, benefits and working hours are the main issues for the nurses. The ONA statement said Halton's public health nurses are paid "significantly less" than those in neighbouring health units, are seeking access to paid sick time and other health benefits for part-time nurses, as well as `fair hours of work for all nurses that allow a healthy work-life balance. It's time to address these inequities, as the nursing shortage worsens and recruitment and retention of nurses becomes more difficult across the province." Regional spokesperson John Phelan, Halton's acting director of human resources, told the Beaver Thursday he is hopeful an agreement can be reached at the Aug. 20 meeting, where a Ministry of Labour mediator will be present. The ONA represents 53,000 registered nurses and allied health professionals working in Ontario hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health, the community and industry. Clarification A News Canada story in the Fall Registration section of The Oakville Beaver, Wed. Aug. 8 edition entitled Healthy lunchbox tips for busy parents suggested a snack option that included nuts. Neither the Halton public or Catholic school boards allow nut foods or snacks to be brought onto school properties due to concerns over students with nut allergies. The Oakville Beaver regrets the error and apologizes for any inconvenience it may have caused. If you have a news tip or story idea, call the Oakville Beaver at 845-3824. Now including valet pick-up** THE 2008 MODELS ARE COMING. DON'T MISS THESE GREAT OFFERS ON THE 2007 MODELS. GREAT OFFER. GREAT CARS. THE LAST OF THE 07'S. * FREE SERVICE To Fallsview Casino *After $10 Casino Rebate T.I.C.O.#50007535 EVERY WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY "Oakville" at Rebecca & 3rd Line "Bronte" at Lakeshore Rd "Burlington" at Kenwood at Skyway Plaza, Prospect St at Regency, John St at James St FOR RESERVATIONS CALL Taxes included on all trips. 2007 C30 $ 279 2.9% A MONTH/ 36 MOS. LEASE RATE 2007 XC70 $ 559 1.15% A MONTH/ 48 MOS. 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