Four additional long-term care facilities in Nova Scotia have served official 48-hour strike notices. Workers at Grand View Manor, Magnolia Continuing Care Centre, Shiretown Nursing Home, and Ivey’s Terrace Nursing Home plan to walk out Thursday morning unless negotiations advance. Maple Hill Manor will follow with its own action on Friday.
Strike Background and Scope
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing 52 long-term care facilities across the province, first issued a 48-hour strike notice on April 10. More than 2,200 workers began striking on April 13, including continuing-care assistants, licensed practical nurses, housekeeping staff, and physiotherapists.
Should these four facilities join the action, nearly 3,000 workers from 29 locals will be on strike province-wide.
Union’s Position
“The government’s refusal to bargain is dragging this strike out and putting residents at risk. This could end tomorrow if they were willing to negotiate,” stated Christa Sweeney, chair of CUPE’s long-term and community care committee.
Government’s Wage Offer
Long-Term Care Minister Barbara Adams announced on April 12 that the province’s proposal includes wage increases of up to 24 percent for some workers, retroactive to 2023. The offer also features a 70 percent boost in shift and weekend premiums.
The proposed four-year agreement, retroactive to 2023, would run until next year if ratified.
