Official statement

What Nova Scotians Should Know About CUPE Strike Action in Long-Term Care, Op-Ed

Seniors and Long-Term Care
NOTE: The following is an op-ed from Barbara Adams, Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care.

After months of negotiations between long-term care employers and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) to reach renewed collective agreements, we are now in a situation that I sincerely hoped would be avoided. CUPE represented employees at more than 20 long-term care homes will be on strike starting this week.

Over the last few weeks, it has become clear there is a lot of misinformation circulating. I know this can cause stress for everyone involved. I want to make sure everyone has clear, accurate information and to reassure Nova Scotians that all residents of these homes will continue to receive the essential care they need.

To residents, families and staff of those facilities, I know how worried you must be. I want to reassure you that we have been in touch with all impacted long-term care homes. For us, and them, the care and safety of residents remains the number one priority. Although the labour action will cause challenges, every impacted facility must have essential service agreements in place to ensure that essential daily care continues, including meals, dressing, personal care, and medication administration.

To employees in this sector, I know first-hand how dedicated you are to providing exceptional care and support to residents. I am deeply grateful for your skill, compassion, and hard work.

I am hearing that some employees impacted by the strike have not been told what is in the offer even though CUPE leadership rejected the deal without giving members an opportunity to vote. That’s deeply concerning.

On the table is a strong, competitive package. The offer matches the deal already accepted by employees in 27 unionized long-term care homes and in home care and hospitals. In fact, CUPE accepted this same deal for home care and hospital employees it represents.

Over the four-year agreement, the offer includes:

  • wage increases of at least 12 per cent, with some classifications receiving up to 24 per cent to ensure competitiveness across the province

  • retroactive pay dating back to 2023

  • a 70 per cent increase in shift and weekend premiums, effective upon ratification

  • funding to enroll in a defined benefit pension plan for facilities that do not currently have one in place.

The majority of the current agreements expired in 2023 and CUPE represented employees in long-term care are stuck at 2023 wages until renewed agreements are reached. The renewed agreements would expire in 2027, at which point the next round of bargaining could begin.

As Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care, I strongly encourage CUPE leadership to reconsider and sincerely hope they allow members to vote. It is not too late.

Over the coming days and weeks, we will do all we can to keep providing accurate, timely information, including at https://novascotia.ca/cupe-updates/.

Most importantly, I will continue to work with our partners to ensure essential care for all residents.

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