Windsor-Essex public health workers have voted unanimously in favour of strike action after years of falling wages, growing workloads and worsening staff shortages. The strike vote comes as the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) moves ahead with a $1.1 million provincially funded office renovation while telling workers there is no money for fair wages.
CUPE 543.03’s roughly 125 members work as public health inspectors, social workers, oral health specialists, tobacco and vaping enforcement officers, and in other critical roles that protect the health of Windsor and Essex County residents. They inspect restaurants and beaches, monitor drinking water systems, deliver health programs in schools and vulnerable communities, and work to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. At the height of Windsor-Essex’s busy beach and tourism season, their work helps ensure residents and visitors can enjoy local beaches with confidence.
“It’s shameful how quickly the county and province have forgotten the importance of investing in public health,” said Leah Murphy, unit chair for CUPE 543.03. “Small drinking water systems are going untested, sexually transmitted infections continue to rise, and experienced public health workers keep leaving for better-paying health units. Our members are being asked to do more every year with fewer resources, and the people of Windsor-Essex are paying the price.”
The public health system is underfunded across Ontario, but the challenges facing Windsor-Essex are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. As experienced staff leave for neighbouring health units offering better wages and working conditions, remaining employees are left to manage growing public health risks. Last year there were 122 confirmed cases of syphilis in Windsor-Essex, up from just 16 a decade ago, while measles has re-emerged in Ontario and demands renewed public health vigilance.
Workers’ wages have fallen behind inflation over their last two collective agreements. During four of those years, they received annual increases of just one per cent and they are now being told to once again accept another contract with just one per cent increase.
“This isn’t just about wages,” said Murphy. “If Windsor-Essex wants a strong public health system, it has to be able to recruit and retain the professionals who protect our food, water, schools and beaches. Right now, we’re losing experienced staff to neighbouring health units because they can earn more and face less stress. That’s not sustainable, and it’s the people of Windsor-Essex who will ultimately feel the consequences.”
The two sides are returning to bargaining with a conciliation officer on July 29.