‘They’re trying to starve the members out’: N.S. long-term care worker strike reaches fifth week

The CUPE strike is moving into its fifth week, and negotiations between workers and the province are at a standstill.

It’s been radio silence between striking long-term care workers and the Nova Scotia government since brief talks broke-off late last week.

“Our members are getting tired. They’re still dedicated and wanting to reach a fair deal so they can get wages they can live off of, but we’re all getting tired,” says Kim Cail, CUPE’s provincial long-term care coordinator.

That could be the province’s strategy, according to Cail.

“I truly think they’re trying to starve the members out.”

The strike is now into its fifth week. Cail says essential service committees are meeting with their employer daily to ensure basic resident care is being upheld.

“In the home that I’m in the residences are still being well cared for. There are some things that they’re missing out on like programs,” says Phillip Sautiere, vice president of Local 1259.

Still, an increase in staff and hours can be negotiated if both sides agree it’s warranted and reasonable.

If they don’t agree; a statement sent to CTV News from Seniors and Long-term Care Minister, Barbara Adams, says in part; “The independent labour board can quickly resolve disputes. In fact, there has already been a ruling that required CUPE to provide additional staff to meet the essential care of residents.”

Adding, “We continue to urge CUPE to take this fair deal to their members so that the employees can have their say. Once this deal is settled, we can be back to the bargaining table as early as next year.”

Meanwhile, two more local unions joined the picket lines Thursday bringing the total to 34 stretching from Yarmouth to Cape Breton.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page