8:30 a.m. UPDATE: CUPE members and government officials agreed to resume negotiations late Thursday afternoon, but by early Friday morning, the union announced that no deal was reached.
CUPE Long Term Care Coordinator Kim Cail says, “The new offer, which expires in 2028, was better than the last, but would still leave support classifications at just over $23 by the end. That’s not a living wage now and it certainly won’t be in 2028.”
The strike will continue with CUPE 3454 Shoreham Village joining the picket lines today
and 2 more set to join next week.
The provincial government has agreed to return to the bargaining table with CUPE, marking a key shift after four weeks of strike action by long-term care workers.
CUPE members announced the development yesterday afternoon following a meeting with the Leader of the Opposition, who criticized the government’s handling of the dispute and said care workers deserve greater investment.
Workers say the move brings some relief, though many remain exhausted after weeks without a living wage and the ongoing strain of balancing care work with pressures at home and on their finances.
“We’re happy to hear that the government is willing to get back to the table,” said Long-Term and Community Care Committee Chair Christa Sweeney. “We look forward to negotiating in good faith and reaching a deal that everyone can support.”
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