Public health workers are the first line of safety and health in Windsor and Essex County. They inspect restaurants and beaches, monitor drinking water systems, deliver health programs in schools and the community, and help prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

But the workers who keep our communities safe are facing a wage crisis. For years, public health workers have been forced to accept 1% wage increases – or less – and they’ve fallen behind inflation. The result has been countless dedicated, skilled workers leaving the field while programs are stretched thin.

This is about more than a paycheque.

When public health workers leave, communities lose experience, capacity and essential services. Windsor-Essex is already facing growing public health challenges as syphilis spreads and measles reemerges.

Fair wages are essential to recruiting and retaining the professionals who protect our food, water, beaches, and schools.

Tell the Board of Health: Invest in public health workers.