Union readies province-wide action after Extendicare negotiations stall

CUPE prepares province-wide work action after contract talks with Extendicare stall, citing pay and benefit issues. No strike but job actions are possible.

The union representing long-term care and retirement workers is getting ready for Ontario-wide action after contract negotiations with the province stalled.

Negotiators with CUPE representing staff from Extendicare facilities in the province met to negotiate a new collective agreement for more than 1,100 long-term care and retirement home workers with Extendicare’s management team.

Sheena Bracken, president of CUPE Local 1182 in Sudbury, said CUPE has been “setting a pattern” for new contracts in long-term care across the province.

“So it’s not just this local, at all,” Bracken said.

“We’re all working together.”

Sudbury, Timmins, Kapuskasing

She represents 250 members in Sudbury, but there are long-term care homes in Timmins and Kapuskasing that are also affected.

Bracken said she loves her job, but workers like her need a fair collective agreement.

“I’ve been a longstanding PSW here for 12 years, and I thoroughly enjoy what I do,” she said.

“(It’s) important to myself to keep healthy -- especially with everything, you know, physically that we do with our residents.”

In a news release, CUPE said there’s a long way to go before a new contract is reached.

“From scheduling, vacation, and pay issues caused by the implementation of the employer’s human resources management system Workday, to benefits and annual pay increases, the parties were unable to find common ground, despite working with a neutral conciliator,: the release said.

And in a statement to CTV News, Extendicare said it continues to work toward a new agreement.

Talks started March 30

“Negotiations with CUPE began the week of March 30 and we are hopeful that the parties can continue to work together in near future to discuss further options for resolution,” the statement said.

“Extendicare bargains with our union partners in good faith and enters discussions with the intent to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. We are committed to further constructive engagement and value the hard work and dedication of our team members.”

Long-term care workers in Ontario fall under the Hospital Labour Relations Dispute Arbitration Act, which denies them the right to strike.

However, union officials said workers are able to employ other tactics and job actions to exercise their rights as workers.

Nevertheless, Extendicare says any job action would not negatively affect residents or their care.

All locals will meet again April 28-29 to make a plan for moving forward after local discussions with members.

“The union is reviewing all possible legal avenues for action to pressure the employer to come back to the table,” CUPE said.

“Care can’t wait -- and neither can these workers.”