UNITED COUNTIES of SD&G, Ontario – The United Counties of SD&G warned the public on Monday, May 14 that their residents might be affected by the looming strike in Cornwall.
City of Cornwall employees who are members of various local chapters of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) have threatened to strike on May 17.
The strike would affect indoor workers, outdoor workers, library employees and paramedics.
Due to their essential service agreements, paramedics would not be able to strike fully, but they will be working on a reduced schedule. In Cornwall there are usually nine ambulances covering the area, under strike conditions, that would be reduced to three.
“For the duration of any labour disruption, the assistance of the public is needed to ensure those that truly require emergency services have them available,” the United Counties said in a media release. “Please call 911 for ambulance assistance if it is needed for severe emergencies such as shortness of breath, chest pain, major traumatic injury or having suffered a period of unconsciousness. If possible, please have someone drive you to your clinic, doctor’s office or emergency department for all other medical issues.”
Other services affected include Social & Housing Services, Child Care, Ontario Works and the Ontario Renovates, Social Housing (Registry) & Rent Supplement Program.
During the strike, the Winchester satellite office for Cornwall Social & Housing Services will be closed, Child Care applications will have to be made in person at the Cornwall office, Ontario Works applicants are being asked to apply online or by calling 613-933-6282 ext. 3205.
“Inside workers have reached the same impasse faced by all other city workers,” said Keith Sandford, CUPE National Representative in an earlier CUPE media statement. “We need to see some movement at the bargaining table if we are going to avoid a city-wide work stoppage. We’re ready to work hard in negotiations, but we’re also preparing for a strike as necessary.”
