Debate over looming long-term care strike raised in legislature

The possibility of a strike by long-term care workers in Nova Scotia was front and centre during question period yesterday.

Halifax Armdale MLA Rod Wilson said workers are nearing a breaking point, with some earning only slightly above minimum wage even after years on the job.

“Long-term care workers have been telling me they don’t want a strike but they can no longer afford to pay their bills,” Wilson said.

He urged the province to act quickly, adding, “The minister could prevent a strike today by presenting a fair raise to long-term care workers.”

Wilson also raised concerns about how a strike could impact care inside nursing homes.

“We know a strike will mean reduced staff… there will be no kitchen staff, no housekeeping staff, no laundry staff,” he said. “Without them the risk of infection will go up.”

Seniors Minister Barb Adams defended the province’s position, saying a comparable deal has already been accepted elsewhere in the system.

“The offer that was made is the exact same offer that was made to acute care workers… and home care workers… and over 23 other long-term care facilities have already accepted the deal,” Adams said.

She also pushed back on concerns about safety during a potential strike.

“What the member just suggested… is just factually incorrect,” Adams said. “There is a legal requirement called an essential service contract.”

Adams added long-term care workers will continue to provide care if job action occurs.

“Our long-term care staff care so much about their clients, they are going to make sure that that care is provided.”

Wilson, however, said the current offer is not enough to prevent a strike, warning job action could begin as early as next week.