The Ontario Nurses Association is launching an online campaign asking local residents to show their support for the Niagara Region's 161 registered nurses and nurse practitioners who work for the Public Health Unit.
The ONA is urging the public to send a message to regional council asking they provide a new contract offer that reflects the vital health services the nurses provide.
ONA First Vice President Vicki McKenna says in a release, "Our RNs and NPs are very disappointed that the Region has tabled a final offer, lower than what was offered to its male-dominated police force and is less than what was offered to hospital, nursing home and Community Care Access Centre nurses."
McKenna wants regional negotiators to return to the table and negotiate a respectful contract for our mainly female public health nurses, showing them the same regard they demonstrate for police in the region.
She also notes "the lack of respect shown to our nurses is truly puzzling. We cannot help but wonder if the majority of public health nurses were men, whether the employer would have been more respectful. "
To access the campaign click here: https://www.ona.org/support-nphn/