The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents thousands of long-term care workers in Nova Scotia, says its at an impasse with the provincial government over a new deal. Both parties attended a conciliation meeting on Wednesday, but walked away with no new agreement for the workers. Their final conciliation meeting is scheduled for March 24. If no deal is reached at that point, workers at dozens of long-term care homes could strike. In a news release, CUPE, which represents 52 long-term care facilities in Nova Scotia, said the province presented the same package for the fourth time without changes. “Long term care workers care for the most vulnerable members of our society every single day,” said Christa Sweeney, chair of CUPE’s long term community care committee, in the release. “To be presented with the same offer again — after months of good-faith bargaining — is discouraging and sends a message that their work and their voices are not valued.” Alyse Hand, communications advisor with Nova Scotia’s Executive Council Office, said they “deeply value the essential role” of the employees. “The parties at the table are best positioned to have conversations in relation to collective bargaining,” Hand said in an email. “We respect the bargaining process and want to see fairly negotiated agreements reached as soon as possible. “We want to assure Nova Scotians that Nursing Homes and Residential Care Facilities fall under the Essential Health and Community Services Act, so crucial healthcare services will continue to be provided throughout this process. We continue to look forward to a positive resolution to this matter.” Tammy Martin, long-term care coordinator with CUPE, previously told CTV News Atlantic that 36 facilities – which represent more than 3,000 members – overwhelmingly voted in favour of job actions in the last few months. “We’ve not had one strike vote that was less than 93 per cent in favour,” Martin said. “This is the last thing we want to do. We don’t want to engage in job action.” CUPE said a major issue for them in negotiations are wages. “Long term care workers in Nova Scotia are the lowest paid in Atlantic Canada,” the release reads. “In Prince Edward Island, workers performing some of the same jobs earn nearly $10 per hour more.” For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
