ONA members in Haldimand-Norfolk ratify agreement

Previous contract expired on March 31

Registered nurses and social workers ratified a new collective agreement with Haldimand-Norfolk Community Addiction and Mental Health Services.

The 23 employees — members of the Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) — provide in-home services to approximately 850 patients suffering from mental health issues throughout Haldimand-Norfolk.

“We have reached an agreement with this employer after very difficult negotiations,” said ONA president Linda Haslam-Stroud.

“For nine months, they have been without a contract and done their utmost to avoid having to withdraw their care from these vulnerable patients.”

The registered nurses and social workers, known as clinicians, offer specialized mental health services including geriatric services for elderly patients who face mental health issues combined with age-related difficulties.

The parties’ last contract expired on March 31. ONA members entered first into conciliation bargaining and then into mediation in an effort to negotiate a new contract. A tentative settlement was reached on Nov. 20 and the employees voted to ratify the agreement on Nov. 22.

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