The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) says little progress was made after returning to the bargaining table for a second time since the long-term care strike began on April 13th.
The Lead Table Bargaining Team said in a statement last night that the government presented the same deal it has been offering since last August, despite tabling an amended proposal of their own.
In a press release, CUPE says the singular change from the government’s offer, previously tabled and rejected on May 7, was the addition of an amended version of a previous union proposal around CCAs mentoring students.
Long-term care coordinator, Kim Cail, says, “We’re bargaining with ourselves at this point.”
Talks were held with the assistance of the province’s Chief Conciliation and Mediation Officer, Peter Lloyd, who ultimately pulled the plug on discussions yesterday. There are currently no new dates set to resume negotiations.
The union says another long-term care home is set to join the strike, as pressure builds among more than 3,600 workers on the picket lines.
Hundreds of CUPE’s long-term care members rallied outside the Halifax Convention Centre, Monday, trying to be heard by Premier Tim Houston as he delivered his state of the province address.
Now entering seven weeks on the picket lines and a 36th home joining the action, workers say they are more tired than ever but remain determined to continue their fight for higher wages.
MLA for Halifax, critic for Seniors and Long-Term Care, Rod Wilson. PHOTO: NATALIE CHIASSON/ACADIA BROADCASTING
For weeks, the province has maintained the deal they are offering CUPE members is fair. They have reiterated that more than 27,000 other members have accepted the offer.
It includes wage increases of 12 to 24 per cent as well as an additional $2 per hour beginning in 2027 for those making under $23.
However, long-term care critic Rod Wilson, who spoke at the rally, said he had asked the minister for a deal with integrity and said the strike did not need to happen.
“I really think…and I’ve said this a lot…I think they’re trying to kill you by starving you out, by letting those bills pile up,” said Wilson.
Despite the length of the strike, rallygoers were loud and vocal, saying they are not ready to give up.
Wilson said the strike has helped raise awareness about the challenges facing long-term care workers. He added that many of them feel they could not find better paying jobs elsewhere and they deserve a livable wage.
At one point, a worker shouted out during Wilson’s speech: “I get paid the same wage my nephew does at Starbucks! Tell me that’s fair!”
Week 7 of CUPE long-term care strike action on Argyle Street in Halifax. PHOTO: NATALIE CHIASSON/ACADIA BROADCASTING
Meanwhile, there are conflicting accounts over bargaining talks.
Minister Barb Adams released a statement over the weekend claiming CUPE declined her request to return to the bargaining table, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Adams said she was “disappointed” the union would not find time until next week.
However, CUPE representative Christa Sweeney disputed that claim, saying the situation is more nuanced.
“Our members work from Yarmouth to Cape Breton, and they’re under ESA’s (Essential Services Agreements). So, our two members who work the furthest distance away were at work at the time,” said Sweeney.
“They couldn’t get there by five o’clock when they wanted us there.”
Sweeney said they offered to go the next day, but the conciliator wasn’t available, so they entertained possibly talking on Sunday.
“That didn’t happen. We offered to meet this afternoon, and we have not heard back from them.”
More than 400 long-term care workers in Thunder Bay are on strike as they push for improved wages and better working conditions.
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) says approximately 97% of members voted in favour of strike action, with all eligible workers signing up for strike duty.
Union representatives argue that long-term care staff are being left behind when it comes to compensation, despite the essential role they play in caring for residents.
OPSEU President J.P. Hornick says workers are deeply committed to their jobs, but many are struggling to make ends meet.
“They love the work they do,” Hornick said. “But if they can’t pay their bills, they simply can’t afford to stay.”
The union says it will remain on the picket line until a fair deal is reached.
