Nurses Union members, VON reach new agreement

CITYnews halifax / By Mark Hodgins

Workers who provide in-home care to clients across Nova Scotia have voted to accept a new deal with their employer.

The Nova Scotia Nurses Union says its members voted 87 per cent in favour of the new agreement. The union says the new five-year contract is expected to include improvements to wages, premiums, safety and work-life balance.

“We call our VON members road warriors because they’re in their cars and on the road, regardless of the weather, providing care to clients in their homes. They face many of the same issues experienced by nurses in other areas of care, but also challenges that are unique to their practice. While bargaining for our VON member we considered their uniqueness and their value to the communities in which they work,” said Janet Hazelton, president of the NSNU.

The union says it represents more than 900 LPNs and RNs who work in the community.