Two N.S. long-term care workers unions vote to strike, demand wage improvements

A Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) flag is pictured.

Two unions representing long-term care workers in Nova Scotia have overwhelmingly voted to strike as they seek wage improvements.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) 3257, which represents workers at Surf Lodge Long Term Care in Lockeport, voted 100 per cent in favour of a strike mandate, according to a news release.

CUPE 3618, which represents workers at Ivy Meadows Continuing Care in Beaver Bank, voted 94 per cent favour of a strike last week.

“Every day, long term care workers, whether LPNs, CCAs, Cooks, Ward Clerks, or Laundry workers, come to work and play an instrumental role in taking care of Nova Scotia’s seniors,” said CUPE 3257 president Dawn Scott in a news release. “We take on the role of family and friends. We offer so much care, and this round of bargaining makes it feel like what we do, the care we offer, means nothing to this government.”

CUPE says it filed conciliation last week after negotiations stalled with the provincial government.

The Beaver Bank union says understaffing due to a lack of recruitment and retention is a critical issue for its workers, along with wages. CUPE claims only half of Nova Scotia’s long-term care facilities meet the recommended 4.1 hours of care per day per resident.

Last week, workers at the Maritime Odd Fellows Home in Pictou, who are represented by CUPE 2330, voted 100 per cent in favour of a strike. They cited issues with low wages, overtime, and bereavement leave.

-With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Haeley DiRisio

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