Deputy Premier Disappointed CUPE Workers Leave Negotiations

Deputy Premier Frank Corbett has expressed disappointment that negotiators for CUPE hospital workers walked away from a contract offer that included agreement on salaries over the weekend.

A strike deadline was set for 6 a.m., today, Jan. 18, but CUPE negotiators failed to respond to an offer provided by health authority negotiators.

"The union said that these negotiations were all about parity. We agreed on salaries, including additional salary adjustments for specific positions, such as licensed practical nurses and medical laboratory technologists to ensure they matched their counter-parts in Halifax. The union is now saying parity is not enough. In fact, they've just been piling on more and more demands.

"I'm encouraging CUPE workers to ask their leaders to let them see, and vote on the contract offer put forward by the regional health authorities."

Negotiators representing CUPE hospital workers and district health authorities failed to reach an agreement after negotiating through the weekend. A strike began at 33 hospitals outside of the Capital Region at 6 a.m., today, Jan. 18.

"I'm very disappointed with this turn of events and very concerned about the impact this strike will have on Nova Scotian families," said Mr. Corbett.

"I believe CUPE health-care workers, if given the chance, would accept the offer put forward by the employers."

"One thing is clear, that this strike is not about parity," said Mr. Corbett. "The union leadership obviously doesn't accept the serious financial position that's facing Nova Scotians.

"I do not believe that hospital workers want to go on strike, nor do I believe they want to put the health and safety of Nova Scotians at risk over unattainable demands.

"I encourage CUPE to allow its members to see what's been offered and to have a chance to vote on it."