Workers at many long-term care homes in the province say they’re at an impasse.
In a release, CUPE members say they’ve received a fourth offer from employers that’s unchanged, as they try to negotiate a new collective agreement.
Workers at 35 of 52 homes have voted in favour of job action over the last few months.
CUPE say they’re calling on the province to make sure employer funding levels are where they need to be for them to negotiate a fair contract.
They say long-term care workers are the lowest paid in Atlantic Canada.
Final conciliation talks are planned for March 24.
Province not panicking
Meanwhile, Seniors and Long-Term Care minister Barbara Adams assures that plans are in place in case of a disruption.
“Those essential services are going to be maintained across every nursing home in the province. That’s a commitment that all long-term care facilities make, and we’re working closely with them,” said Adams after Cabinet Thursday.
Adams remains confident that a deal will be reached, and says the province has settled over 400 contracts since 2021.
“I have every reason to expect that we’ll have a satisfactory settlement. In the event that doesn’t happen, there are processes in place for anyone receiving any kind of healthcare.”
She adds they’ll make sure residents at the homes are getting the care they need.
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