(HALIFAX) – Contract talks for 3,600 hospital workers in 33 hospitals across the province have broken off, setting the wheels in motion for a possible province-wide strike.
CUPE Hospital Coordinator Wayne Thomas says, “We sat down this week with the employers in a serious attempt to resolve the outstanding issues in this dispute. There simply was no willingness on their part to address any of the major issues.
“They have basically told us they have no mandate from the provincial government, from which they receive their funding, to find a negotiated settlement. As a result, we have asked the Conciliation Officer to file his report to the minister. Once that happens, which we expect early next week, we will be 14 days away from a legal strike position at 33 facilities,” says Thomas.
The outstanding issues are:
- Wage increases
- Pension Improvements
- Improved health benefits
- Benefits for retirees
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:
Wayne Thomas
CUPE National Rep.
(902) 752-2244 (o)
(902) 759-1057 (Cell)
John McCracken
CUPE Communications Rep.
(902) 455-4180 (o)