WATERLOO, ON, October 7, 2025 – Today, members of the Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) are addressing the Community and Health Services Committee at the Region of Waterloo regarding negotiations for a new collective agreement with the Region of Waterloo Public Health. Before conciliation, 92 percent of the nurses signed and submitted a petition urging the committee to boost funding for fair wages and benefits to attract and keep nurses.
“We’re here to let the Community and Health Services Committee know that they need to support nurses so we can take care of our communities,” says ONA Provincial President Erin Ariss, RN. “Instead of taking away hard-earned gains like fair schedules, the committee should guide the employer towards enhancements such as competitive wages and benefits.”
Nurses from ROWPH offer preventive and specialized health care in Canada’s fastest-growing region. They assist individuals of all ages, lead efforts in infectious disease monitoring and response, provide home care, and support high-risk and marginalized populations. They serve as the first line of defense in health care while fostering strong, healthy communities.
“Our members won’t accept wage increases that fall below inflation or have their schedules controlled unilaterally. They worked tirelessly during the COVID-19 pandemic and more recently during a measles outbreak, putting their own safety-and that of their families-at risk,” explains Ariss.
<p“Employers need to learn from past errors. Poor management has created a recruitment and retention crisis that's costing you skilled nurses who are essential for community health.”
ONA represents over 68,000 registered nurses and healthcare professionals along with 18,000 nursing student affiliates providing care across hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health settings, communities, clinics, and industries.
-30-
Source link
Source link
