The Acting CEO of the County of Inverness Municipal Housing Corporation (CIMHC) is reminding that workers at two long-term care homes in the area are not on strike – yet.
The comments from Erin Fortin come while more than 2,000 CUPE members across the province march the picket lines fighting for higher wages.
In a media release, Fortin says Inverary Manor in Inverness and Foyer Pere Fiset in Cheticamp remain in the bargaining process through conciliation.
It was Monday when long-term care employees from 24 facilities walked off the job after they were unable to reach a new collective agreement.
Fortin says the CIMHC recognizes that this situation “may raise questions” and if there is a strike there will be advance notice and essential services maintained.
“Both CIMHC and our local union representatives share the same priority, the safety, care and well-being of our residents,” says Fortin.
“CIMHC understands that this may be an uncertain time, and we want to reassure you that we are committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for residents, families and staff,” says Fortin.
Meantime, Seniors Minister Barb Adams says it makes her sad that families of those in long-term care homes are worried about care.
She says a number of members were unaware what the deal being offered was.
“They didn’t know it was retroactive. They didn’t know there was a shift differential. They didn’t realize the next contract will start to be negotiated as early as October 2027,” says Adams.
CUPE President Alan Linkletter says the deal offered is unacceptable.
“It doesn’t provide a living wage for people of Nova Scotia. We think they can do better,” says Linkletter.
Tuesday is day two of strike action.
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