CUPE Local 1559 President Merima Kostecki says they’re prepared to strike but hope it doesn’t come to that.
The union represents 78 members of the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Public Health Unit who’ve been without a contract since March voted in favour of strike action earlier this month as negotiations have stalled.
Kostecki says wages are a key sticking point, saying they’re getting paid up to 20% less than those in identical roles in neighbouring health units.
The union’s called for conciliation which has put a pause on talks until the end of October. They’ll be in a strike position 17 days after that if a deal isn’t reached.
Kostecki says they play an integral part of the community and wants to avoid that at all cost.
Kostecki says it’s status quo for them despite a potential merger with neighbouring units.
myFM spoke to Medical Officer of Health Dr. Linna Li on the potential for strike action last week.
Story by Grant Deme
