(New Glasgow) Strike votes for some 3,000 Nova Scotia nursing home workers continue this week and next.
The latest results come from Millford Haven in Guysborough, where members of CUPE Local 1723 voted 100% in favour of strike action if a negotiated settlement is not reached.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees represents workers in 37 homes across the province.
CUPE Long Term Care Co-ordinator Kelly Murray says, Momentum is starting to build as more of these strike votes come in. Its pretty clear that nursing home workers are not prepared to accept the governments wage offer of 6% over four years, especially with zero percent in the first year.
(EDITORS: Please note. A CP story that ran in some newspapers earlier this week reported the governments offer was 6% over three years (2%, 2%, 2%). This is not correct. The offer is 6% over four years - 0%, 2%, 2% and 2%.
Says Murray, Most of the other major issues are settled. I dont believe this government wants to see 3,000 nursing home workers on the streets over a 2% wage increase that was given to all the other groups of health care workers.
For information:
Kelly Murray, CUPE Long Term Care Co-ordinator - 455-4180 (o)
John McCracken, CUPE Communications Representative - 455-4180 (o) - 222-8457 (Cell)