Health Care Bargaining Update Aug 16th 2024

Bargaining Update: New Bargaining Date and Essential Services Goes to Labour Board

Dear CUPE member,

The Bargaining Committees for the Health Care Council of Unions, IWK and Nova Scotia Health have agreed to another day of bargaining. All parties, with the assistance of a conciliation officer from the Department of Labour, will meet again on Thursday, August 29.

Wages continue to be the key issue.

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.

Negotiations on essential services continued yesterday, August 15. The Council was not able to conclude an Essential Services Agreement. The next step will be to refer all outstanding matters to the Labour Board for resolution.

The Council of Health Care Unions are required by legislation passed by the previous Liberal government to work with the employer to establish an Essential Services staffing agreement prior to any legal strike action taking place. This is a difficult and detailed negotiation with a group as large and complex as the Health Care Bargaining Council.

Please watch closely for future updates.