A number of services offered by Hastings Prince Edward Public Health are being shuttered as the sabre rattling between the regional health body and the local branch of the Ontario Nurses Association (ONA) worsens.

Negotiations for a new collective agreement between Public Health executives and ONA’s Local 31, which represents over 50 registered nurses, public health nurses and registered practical nurses, broke down earlier this month.

On Wednesday, HPEPH announced it was preemptively and temporarily interrupting several services, including new registrants for smoking cessation, the Baby & Me Drop-In program, the Nurse-Family Partnership Program and Sexual Health Clinics Effective Aug. 18, breastfeeding consultations and immunization clinics are expected to be canceled until further notice. Public Health services not listed here will continue to operate. “The health and well-being of our clients is our top priority.

While programs not listed above will continue to operate, service delays are expected,” said Public Health officials. “The patience and understanding of the community is appreciated as we work to ensure critical services are maintained.”

Regular service will resume only when a settlement has been reached. Local unit president Josh Davidson Marcon said fair pay for Local 31 members is the main sticking point between the two parties.  In a statement offered by Local 31 in response to the HPEPH missive, the union noted Thursday that throughout bargaining and conciliation, the employer came to the table with a single monetary offer and demonstrated a lack of good faith by refusing to negotiate fairly.

“The employer has declined a generous and unusual offer by the nurses to go to voluntary arbitration in order to avoid a strike,” Mr. Davidson Marcon said. “We ask the people of Hastings and Prince Edward County to understand that this is about fairness and to support the nurses who provide services to them.” The Union representative noted  the employer has requested a final offer vote through the Ministry of Labour to be held some time this week although details were not available regarding the offer or the voting process.

If the offer is rejected, Local 31 could begin picketing as soon as Aug. 21.