THUNDER BAY – NEWS – Statement on Strike Impact issued by Thunder Bay District Health Unit:
On Monday, October 15, negotiations for a collective agreement between the TBDHU and its public health nurses (members of the Ontario Nurses’ Association – ONA) took place. ONA members rejected the Health Unit’s final contract offer and walked off the job this morning, Tuesday, October 16.
A strike of our public health nurses (members of the Ontario Nurses’ Association) means that some of TBDHU’s programs and services will continue while others will have to be suspended or altered. Please note there may also be some delays in the services provided.
The following public health programs and services will be suspended until further notice:
- Nurse practitioner clinics
- Street Nursing
- Immunization and travel health clinics
- Flu clinics
- Take Control smoking cessation clinics
- Breastfeeding clinics
- Prenatal classes
- Parenting sessions, workshops and events
- Healthy Babies Healthy Children program
- Some School Health programming (includes classroom presentations and curriculum support)
- Workplace Health program
- Dental hygiene clinics for low-risk children
- Branch Office nursing services
The Sexual Health clinics, although operating, will be at limited capacity and we expect service delays.
All Health Unit’s offices will be open, with the exception of the Red Rock office. The opening of that office is delayed until further notice.
The health and well-being of the people and communities we serve is our top priority and we value our nurses for keeping our communities safe and healthy. The TBDHU is committed to continuing to working with ONA to reach a fair agreement as soon as possible.
For updates on our service adjustments and further details on specific services during the ONA labour disruption, please visit our website at www.tbdhu.com or phone the main office at (807) 625-5900 or toll-free 1-888-294-6630.
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding.
