A day of action will be held on Wednesday, April 5th at 11:00 a.m. at multiple locations across Nova Scotia. The health care teams in long term care and counselors working in the Department of Community Services funded locations, represented by the Long Term Care and Community Services Coordinating Committee, will be gathering to spread awareness and garner support for community services’ continued fight for a fair deal that includes competitive wages, a defined pension, and protections against workplace violence.

“Participant support workers work with our most vulnerable populations to assist with physical, mental, behavioral, and disability support in often precarious situations,” said committee chairperson Louise Riley, “and they want a deal that recognizes their dedication and the importance of a safe work environment.”

“Every day, our members go to work knowing they’re at an increased risk of violence and they feel like the Department of Community Services isn’t doing enough to protect them. The employees in this sector have been ignored and treated unfairly. For too long they have been left out and overlooked by the government. It’s time for meaningful change,” said CUPE National Representative Kim Cail.

CUPE Long Term Care and Community Services Coordinating Committee chair Louise Riley, Halifax, and committee member Ralph Vickers, New Glasgow, will be available on Wednesday for comment.

Locations

  • Saint Vincent’s Nursing Home, 2080 Windsor Street, Halifax

  • CUPE office, 115 MacLean St, New Glasgow

  • MLA Zach Churchill’s office, 396 Main Street, Yarmouth

The CUPE Long Term Care and Community Services Coordinating Committee represents approximately 7,000 members across Nova Scotia who provide care and support, both in residence and at home.