Janitorial workers seek wage parity

Halifax Privatized janitorial workers at the QEII Hospital say their employer, Crothall Support Services, is refusing to grant them the same wages and benefits as were given to other hospital employees doing essentially the same work. The employees, members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 2761B, have rejected the employers latest offer after a round of conciliation talks.

These employees are performing the same duties as their counterparts elsewhere in the hospital, so why should they be treated differently when it comes to wages and benefits? says CUPE National Rep Kathy MacLeod. Wages for these workers range from $7 to $8.25 per hour, compared to janitors elsewhere in the hospital earning over $12 per hour. This is a huge discrepancy.

MacLeod says hospital administration should not be allowed to discriminate against a group of employees just because the work is subcontracted.

Ultimately, its government that pays the bill, and government has a responsibility to ensure that contracts are written in such a way that employees receive equal treatment no matter where in the health system they work, and no matter who they are working for, MacLeod contends.

MacLeod says the union will go back into conciliation on Monday in the hopes that these outstanding issues can be resolved in an equitable manner.

For more information please contact Kathy MacLeod at 455-4180 or 445-4116.