Hundreds of long-term care workers are holding information pickets across Nova Scotia Monday ahead of their final conciliation meeting with the provincial government. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents 52 long-term care facilities in Nova Scotia, said they will hold roughly 20 pickets before the meeting on Tuesday. If a deal is not made at that meeting, more than 4,000 workers at 40 facilities could go on strike. “We deserve fair pay and fully staffed workplaces—and so do our residents,” said Christa Sweeney, CUPE Long Term and Community Care chairperson, in a news release. “That, to me, and thousands of long term care workers across the province, is worth fighting for.” In an email last week, Alyse Hand, strategic events and media relations advisor with the Executive Council Office, said the province is hopeful for a “positive resolution” to the meeting. “The government recently tabled Budget 2026-27, which includes a deficit of more than $1 billion,” Hand said. “Even in these circumstances, we are committed to providing a significant investment in the sector – one that has been recently accepted by 23 other unions in this sector and the same wage adjustments offered to Nova Scotia Health and the IWK. “Any talk about a potential strike is stressful. 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.” CUPE previously claimed Nova Scotia long-term care workers are the lowest paid in Atlantic Canada. The province and CUPE met last month, but no deal was struck. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
