Health Care Bargaining Update August 14th 2024

No deal reached in Health Care bargaining

The bargaining committee for the Health Care Council of Unions, with representatives from NSGEU, CUPE and Unifor, were unable to reach an agreement with the IWK and Nova Scotia Health after another long day of bargaining Tuesday, August 13.

Negotiations took place with the assistance of a conciliation officer from the Department of Labour. The talks were a continuation of negotiations that have taken place since March of this year.

Wages remain the key issue separating the parties.

Many workers in the 9,100-member bargaining unit are the lowest paid in Atlantic Canada, compared to others in the same job classification. This has led to severe recruitment and retention problems that directly affect health care for Nova Scotians. The Council of Unions is insisting this problem be addressed.

Yesterday was the last scheduled day for bargaining. The Council of Unions is willing to continue to bargain throughout the summer – and as long as it takes – to reach a fair agreement. The Employers indicated yesterday they were considering further dates and would respond as soon as today.

In the meantime, negotiations on Essential Services continue today, August 14 and tomorrow, August 15. As a result of legislation passed by the previous Liberal government, the Council of Health Care Unions are required by legislation to work with the Employers to establish an Essential Services staffing agreement prior to any legal strike action.

This is a difficult and detailed negotiation with a group as large and complex as the Health Care Bargaining Council and where the unions argue for staffing levels that both permit you to freely exercise your labour rights and that safeguard patients.

Please watch closely for future updates.