The province is confident they’ll reach a deal with long-term care workers.
Several CUPE locals have voted in favour of strike action in recent weeks, they’re asking for higher wages and more staffing.
Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Barbara Adams says the staff that work at these facilities are incredible.
“They’re working with the Department of Finance at the bargaining table. We (the Houston government) has a track-record of settling over 300 contract during our term, and I have every confidence that they will reach a good and fair contract,” said Adams.
She says the province has upped staffing levels by 33 percent over the last four years, the highest in the country.
“We are committed to all of our staff, for training, development and injury reduction. We care about our staff as much as we care about looking after our residents.”
Adams says both sides are required to have plans in place to avoid a disruption in care, in case of a work-stoppage.
A CUPE release last week said understaffing is a critical issue for workers, as only half of N.S. facilities meet the recommended 4.1 hours of care per resident, per day.
