Union filing for conciliation as long term care talks with province break down

CITYnews halifax / By Mark Hodgins

The union representing some long term care workers is beginning the process of filing for conciliation as it says talks broke down on Monday with the provincial government.

In a news release, CUPE says the Tim Houston government is offering workers “poverty wages.”

“It’s frustrating and frankly disappointing,” said CUPE Long Term Care Coordinator Tammy Martin. “We’ve been negotiating in good faith, demonstrating that we’re willing to compromise as long as it means these workers are paid what they deserve, and instead of working with us, they’ve offered the bare minimum and refused to look at our proposals.”

The union claims its proposals include wage adjustments that would bring Nova Scotian long term care workers to par with the other Atlantic provinces, as well as efforts aimed at recruitment and retention of workers.

“Most long term care classifications are currently the lowest paid in Atlantic Canada,” the union wrote.

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According to the union, some workers within long term care facilities in Nova Scotia are making under $20, such as housekeepers and dietary aides.

CUPE has been in the process of taking strike votes at long term care facilities across Nova Scotia.

“It doesn’t matter how many job fairs or signing bonuses people are offered if the job itself doesn’t pay enough for them to live. I have coworkers who are homeless, who live in their cars or sleep on friends’ couches, because they aren’t being paid enough to afford rent,” CUPE 1259 President Dawn Vardy said.