York Region and the Ontario Nurses' Association have agreed to a new three-year collective agreement for public health nurses.
The collective agreement representing 250 public health nurses includes wage increases in all three years. Negotiation teams began bargaining in October, reaching a tentative deal Nov. 18. Membership ratified the deal Nov. 27.
“Our objective is always to reach a mutually agreeable contract between our unionized employees and the corporation that is respectful of our taxpayers,” outgoing York Region chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson said in a news release.. “I offer my thanks and praise to our nursing professionals for their commitment to maintaining our high standards of service delivery, benefiting residents across York Region.”
The contract is retroactive to April 1, 2024 and effective until March 31, 2027. The agreement features a 3.25 per cent wage increase retroactive to April 1, a three per cent wage increase starting April 1, 2025 and a 2.75 per cent wage increase starting April 1, 2026.
York Region Public Health nurses represented by the Ontario Nurses’ Association deliver community-based programs, including immunization clinics, breastfeeding supports and substance misuse and harm reduction programs
“We are very pleased with the settlement reached by both parties,” York Region York Region chief administrative officer Erin Mahoney. “I extend our gratitude to all negotiating team members.”
York Region is represented by three unions: CUPE Local 905 (York Region unit), CUPE Local 905 (long-term care unit) and the Ontario Nurses’ Association.
The region has had some labour conflicts in recent months, with the CUPE Local 905 protesting reductions in working from home options back over the summer. The long-term care unit has also been demonstrating against changes to 12-hour shifts.
