NSGEU release:
The Council of Health Care Unions reached a tentative agreement 430 am Friday morning after a marathon day of bargaining with representatives from the IWK and Nova Scotia Health.
“This is a good deal and one the committee is prepared to recommend to members,” said NSGEU President Sandra Mullen. “The committee worked very hard to conclude this agreement and they deserve a great deal of credit for their efforts.”
“The committee deserves congratulations,” said Karen MacKenzie, Acute Care Coordinator for the CUPE. “The Unions will now prepare a document for the members to review and vote on.”
The Unions expect to prepare those documents and begin voting by mid next week, following the Labour Day Weekend.
“The members will decide on whether this package proves to be enough, but the committee has certainly done its best and has a deal worthy of recommendation,” said Susan Gill, National Representative for Unifor.
The Health Care Council of Unions consists of 9,000 health care professionals across Nova Scotia.
Updated – provincial release:
The province’s two health authorities – Nova Scotia Health and IWK Health – and the Council of Health Care Unions reached a tentative two-year agreement early this morning, August 30, that covers about 9,000 healthcare workers.
“We came to the table in good faith, offered a fair pay increase and were able to agree on terms with the council. We believe this is a fair deal for workers and taxpayers. We also believe this is a deal that will allow us to continue investing in important things like healthcare and housing,” said Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson. “We thank the Council of Health Care Unions for their work achieving this agreement. Our government remains committed to the collective bargaining process and to working with our healthcare professionals as we deliver better care, sooner.”
The bargaining unit has 185 job classifications, including physiotherapists, lab staff, psychologists, continuing care assistants, social workers and pharmacists. They work across the province at Nova Scotia Health or IWK Health facilities.
Details of the tentative agreement will not be released until it is ratified by union members. There will be no further comment until ratification.
Quick Facts:
– the current agreement expired October 31, 2023
– if ratified, this will be the 289th collective agreement reached since 2021 where the government is a funder or employer