TRACADIE-SHEILA, NB – The Red Cross Home Support Workers, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 4598, in the Acadian Peninsula joined their co-workers from Bathurst and Campbellton on the picket line this morning.
“Approximately ninety Home Support Workers from the Acadian Peninsula decided it was time to take some action to make the Lord Government recognize their important contribution to the health care system in this province”, said Louise Thibodeau, CUPE Representative.
“The strike is going to keep expanding if the Government refuses to recognize the value of the work of the people who are looking after the well-being of our seniors.”
“In Nova Scotia, Home Support Workers just signed a collective agreement that will give them an hourly wage of $14.75 an hour by March 2007. As well, they received guaranteed work hours. In New Brunswick, a 10-year experience worker receives only $8.29 an hour with no guaranteed hours and no benefits”, explained Thibodeau.
“Our elected officials don’t seem to value much the elders of this province. If they did, they would finance adequately this service and put an end to this strike.”
The strikers are picketing on Main Street in Tracadie-Sheila where the Red Cross has its office.
The Red Cross Home Support Workers have their strike headquarter at 3400 – 3 Main Street in Tracadie-Sheila.
CUPE Local 4598 represents 300 Home Support Workers from Richibouctou, Miramichi, Acadian Peninsula, Bathurst, Campbellton, Edmundston and Grand Falls. They have been without a collective agreement for more than 2 years.
For more information:
Louise Thibodeau
CUPE representative
(506) 545-5739
Danielle Savoie
CUPE communications
(506) 381-1966