HALIFAX – Bargaining for some 3,300 hospital workers in 33 hospitals across Nova Scotia resumes tomorrow.
CUPE Acute Care Co-ordinator Wayne Thomas says, “We have some very serious issues which our members have said they want resolved in this round of bargaining. With the help of a Conciliator, we are hoping to finally do that.”
Thomas says, “The main issues in this round include: pension improvements, wage increases, protection against workload concerns, improved health benefits and benefits for retirees.”
Bargaining Committee Chair Carl Crouse says, “Because this is such an important round of bargaining for our members, CUPE is launching a media blitz starting this week to get our message out to the public.
“The union will be running newspaper, radio and TV ads to remind Nova Scotians of the critical role CUPE hospital workers play in our health care system. Pensions have become a key issue this time and the question of how much control employers have over our pension funds. Right now, we can’t even bring pensions to the bargaining table. We are fighting to have that changed,” says Crouse.
CUPE represents technical, clerical and service workers in the 33 hospitals. They have already voted 76% in favour of strike action if they cannot reach a negotiated settlement.
For information:
Carl Crouse
Committee Chair
(902) 455-4180 (o)
Wayne Thomas
Acute Care Co-ordinator
752-2244 (o)
759-1057 (Cell)
John McCracken
Communications Rep.
455-4180 (o)