The union representing more than 5,000 Nova Scotia long-term care staff says its members are making strike preparations after five days of conciliation talks with the province did not result in an agreement.

CUPE represents long-term care workers at 52 nursing homes in the province. They’ve been without a contract since October 2023.

Impacted workers include continuing care assistants; licensed practical nurses; support services, which includes environmental, housekeeping and laundry; occupational therapy aids and physiotherapy aids; and maintenance.

“We thought that government heard us,” said Tammy Martin, CUPE’s long-term care co-ordinator for Nova Scotia. “We thought that what members have been saying really matters. But, you know, let’s face it, Tim Houston is in Texas this week.”

Wage concerns

Martin said there are workers covered by negotiations who make $18.77 an hour and the offer on the table would bring them just above $21 an hour by the end of the proposed contract. In some cases, workers make almost $10 an hour less than their counterparts in the rest of Atlantic Canada, she said.

A statement from the government last week said other provinces have negotiated new agreements since the expiry of CUPE’s contract here. It goes on to note that the proposed offer, which is retroactive, includes a 70 per cent increase in shift and weekend premiums — from $2.35 an hour to $4.

Martin said the province did not change its offer at conciliation.

“We’ve gone as far as we can and now we meet with our members and staff and discuss next steps,” she said.

With talks breaking off, a legal strike could happen in 48 hours.

Martin said not all homes are ready to strike yet.

Minister’s comments

Barbara Adams, the seniors and long-term care minister, said Tuesday afternoon that if a strike happens, essential service contracts are in place to ensure seniors get care.

“The service level agreements ensures that all of the care needs of Nova Scotian seniors will be met even in the event that there is a work disruption,” she said.

Her comments were made before word got out that talks had broken off.

Martin said the union hoped to reach a deal.

“We are willing to sit and work through a deal, but we’re not willing to settle for what they’ve offered,” she said.

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