No Deal Reached in CUPE Long Term Care Negotiations in Nova Scotia
Long-term care workers represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and government representatives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, failed to reach a collective bargaining agreement after negotiations extended into the early morning. CUPE officials expressed disappointment, stating that their counter-offers aimed at raising wages for the lowest-paid workers to a living wage standard were met with minimal movement from the government. Kim Cail, CUPE Long Term Care Coordinator, criticized the current offer, which expires in 2028, noting it would leave support staff earning just over $23 an hour, insufficient for a living wage now or in the future. Christa Sweeney, Committee Chair, highlighted the union's fading hope after hours of stalled talks. Consequently, the strike action will continue, with Shoreham Village joining the picket lines immediately and two additional facilities scheduled to join next week. The union accuses the government of ignoring workers' demands and misrepresenting the situation, emphasizing the urgent need for fair compensation for long-term care staff.
Wire timeline
No Deal Reached in CUPE Long Term Care Negotiations in Nova Scotia
Long-term care workers represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and government representatives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, failed to reach a collective bargaining agreement after negotiations extended into the early morning. CUPE officials expressed disappointment, stating that their counter-offers aimed at raising wages for the lowest-paid workers to a living wage standard were met with minimal movement from the government. Kim Cail, CUPE Long Term Care Coordinator, criticized the current offer, which expires in 2028, noting it would leave support staff earning just over $23 an hour, insufficient for a living wage now or in the future. Christa Sweeney, Committee Chair, highlighted the union's fading hope after hours of stalled talks. Consequently, the strike action will continue, with Shoreham Village joining the picket lines immediately and two additional facilities scheduled to join next week. The union accuses the government of ignoring workers' demands and misrepresenting the situation, emphasizing the urgent need for fair compensation for long-term care staff.
Montreal Gazette