Nursing home workers in Saint John on March 12, 2019. (Photo credit: Tamara Steele)
President of the New Brunswick Council of Nursing Home Union Sharon Teare says they are taking legal action, “They’re not strikes, they’re information pickets. The members are sending a clear message that they are standing in solidarity with their bargaining team who is in Fredericton waiting to speak with Dorothy Shephard.
Teare says they are looking for the enhanced package that the Social Development Minister claimed was presented, “We haven’t received it. So, therefore the members are taking action that they are legally able to do to show their unity and solidarity across the province.”
She adds all nursing homes are being staffed and the pickets are not affecting the seniors or the services being provided, “All nursing homes are staffed accordingly. The workers out front are impacting the staffing levels inside. They are workers who are off or from other sectors.”
Teare says the workers have been waiting since March 29th to resume negotiations, that is the last time they were at the table.
A Judge ruled last month to prevent nursing home workers from striking.
