HALIFAX – Talks between five health care unions and all nine District Health Authorities (DHAs) and the IWK on outstanding pensions and benefits issues have broken off with no agreement being reached.
The five unions, CUPE, CAW, NSGEU, NSNU and SEIU, are bargaining these issues jointly.
CUPE Acute Care Co-ordinator Wayne Thomas, whose union resumes bargaining next week with eight of the District Health Authorities, says, “Failure on the pension issue has virtually guaranteed we will not be able to reach a settlement in conciliation. Our members have been quite clear that the pension issue must be resolved.
“CUPE hospital workers across the province could be in a strike position by the end of this month. Right now, I am not optimistic that a settlement can be reached,” says Thomas.
CUPE represents service, clerical and health care workers in 33 hospitals across the province, outside the Capital District.
For information:
Wayne Thomas
CUPE National Rep.
(902) 752-2244 (o)
(902) 759-1057 (Cell)
John McCracken
CUPE Communications Rep.
(902) 455-4180 (o)