Public health nurses vote to accept new deal

Public health nurses at Peterborough Public Health have voted to accept a new deal reached Monday after a day of mediation.

The 31 nurses, represented by the Ontario Nurses’ Association, and the health unit had been without a contract for more than a year, with a strike/lockout date set for Wednesday.

“ONA is pleased that our 31 Peterborough Public Health Nurses have voted to accept a tentative new contract with the Peterborough Public Health Unit,” the nurses state in an emailed press release.

“Our members look forward to continuing to provide their valuable services to the people of Peterborough City and County, as well as Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations communities.”

Details haven’t been released, but the nurses have previously said a key issue was the ability for nurses to work in specialized areas.

The board of health is expected to vote on the deal later this week.