Health support workers file for conciliation as contract talks stall
The unions representing 3,000 health support workers have filed for conciliation because they say contract talks with Nova Scotia Health and the IWK Health Centre have reached an impasse.
In a news release, representatives for Unifor, CUPE and the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union say they're looking for a new contract that will help workers with the rising costs related to inflation and address long-term vacancies caused by low salaries and a lack of permanent employment.
"Support unit workers don't get the attention the more visible members of the health-care teams do, but they are just as integral to the operation of our health-care services and need to be respected for the essential work they do," Linda MacNeil, Unifor's Atlantic regional director, said in a news release.
The bargaining unit includes work classifications such as maintenance, power engineering, plumbing, electrical, laundry, food services and environmental services.
The unions say there were eight days of bargaining over five months with the employers, with little progress. The most recent contract expired Oct. 31, 2020.
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