CITYnews halifax : Union lifts strike action at N.S. long-term care home clinic in Arichat

CITYnews halifax / By Steve Gow

The Canadian Union of Public Employees say they’ve decided to pause their strike action at a clinic attached to long-term care home in Cape Breton.

According to a release from CUPE, workers are going back on the job at the community clinic attached to St. Anne Community and Nursing Care Centre, which is staffed by their members.

The decision comes eight weeks into a province-wide strike involving around 3,600 long-term care workers, with wages being the main sticking point.

The union represents employees at 36 care homes on picket lines.

The strike began April 13 and collective agreements for the workers expired in 2023.

CUPE says St. Anne’s is pausing their job action as the only treatment centre in Arichat and as the only option for medical needs for people the region.

The union says prior to the strike, the Richmond County clinic was deemed non-essential however it adds that has proven to “simply not the case anymore.”

The government and the union say essential services are being maintained during the strike, but many physiotherapists, occupational therapists and recreational therapists are working reduced hours.

Nurses, continuing-care assistants and housekeeping staff are also part of the strike.