Long-term care workers at more than 30 nursing homes across the province are preparing to go on strike after talks with the province failed.
In a statement, Tuesday, CUPE said no deal was reached during their final day of conciliation.
“This does not mean we are going on strike [Wednesday], it does however mean we must finalize the preparation we began the past few months,” said CUPE.
The union says it is now “more important than ever” that strike and essential services committees are in place and “fully operational”.
Key sticking points are better wages and improved recruitment and retention.
It comes one day after 20 facilities walked off the job for information pickets.
In a news release, Coordinator Tammy Martin said she is disappointed but not surprised.
“At every turn this government has forced us to sign the same deal, and this time was no different,” says Martin. “For the fifth time they presented us with essentially the same deal and expected us to take it. Like every time before, we said no. Our members deserve better.”
Meanwhile, Seniors and Long-Term Care minister Barbara Adams assured last month that plans are in place in case of a disruption.
“Those essential services are going to be maintained across every nursing home in the province. That’s a commitment that all long-term care facilities make, and we’re working closely with them,” said Adams after a February Cabinet meeting.
She adds they’ll make sure residents at the homes are getting the care they need.
-with files from Kevin Northup
