NDP and striking CUPE workers call on Houston government for fair deal

HALIFAX – On Tuesday, NSNDP Leader Claudia Chender was at a picket line in Eastern Passage calling on the Houston government to get long-term care workers a fair deal as the strike stretches into its eighth week.

Chender was joined by NDP Health Critic Dr. Rod Wilson, Bette Wilcox whose husband is a resident at Ocean View, Carl Snyder, a resident of Ocean View, and Jeff Cater, a CUPE long-term care assistant.

“For eight weeks, this government has ignored the calls from workers, from residents, from concerned family members that say long term care is vital, and that workers deserve a living wage,” said Long Term Care Coordinator Kim Cail. “They are ignoring constituents province-wide, and that can’t continue.”

“These workers are underpaid for the tough jobs they do. They can't pay their bills and cover their costs, and everything is getting more expensive. They’re not asking for much– just enough to pay the bills and to ensure that the facilities are fully staffed,” said Chender. “New facilities and additional long term care beds don’t matter if there is no one willing to do the work.”

More than 3000 CUPE workers across the province have been out on picket lines fighting for higher wages and better conditions. The strike began on April 13th but, months later, the Houston government has yet to present an acceptable deal to workers.

“Instead of finding a solution, Tim Houston has been blaming the Union and trying to confuse the public. But Nova Scotians care about each other and they know when something is unfair,” said Chender. “Every day these workers are out, Tim Houston is showing Nova Scotians just how out of touch this government really is. You can’t fix health care without supporting health care workers.

“Our message to the Houston government is clear: these workers help seniors live in dignity. They deserve respect, support and a fair deal. Every day that they are out on the line is one day too many.”

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