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2,200 Long-Term Care Staff Walk Out Monday
10 Apr
Summary
- Over 2,200 long-term care workers will strike starting Monday.
- Workers are demanding a living wage, citing poverty wages.
- The government has offered wage increases of 12 to 24 percent.
Over 2,200 long-term care workers are poised to strike on Monday at 7 a.m. after collective bargaining talks with the provincial government reached an impasse. These workers, represented by CUPE, will picket at 22 facilities across the province. The union stated that more workers could issue strike notices in the coming days.
The primary demand from workers like personal care attendant Ty Loppie is a living wage, as many are reportedly living in poverty despite working full-time hours. The current hourly wages for these essential staff vary, with the lowest earners making $18.77 and higher-paid professionals up to $40.21. For continuing care assistants, wages range from $22.23 to $24.10, falling below Halifax's 2024 estimated living wage of $28.30.
The provincial government's offer includes wage increases between 12% and 24%, along with enhanced shift and weekend premiums, retroactive to 2023. However, CUPE has rejected this offer. The government expressed concern, noting that other unions have accepted similar proposals, urging CUPE leadership to allow members to vote on the deal. CUPE maintains that elected bargaining representatives are securing a fair agreement, with a 'me-too clause' potentially allowing them to benefit from any better deals secured by other unions.
Essential service agreements will remain in effect during the strike to ensure critical support for residents continues uninterrupted. Families with loved ones in affected homes will be contacted with specific details. Eight of the impacted facilities are Shannex-owned, which has stated its staff are prepared for the strike. Recreation and volunteer programs, not covered by essential services, may be paused.
