FREDERICTON (GNB) – The following statement was issued today by Social Development Minister Dorothy Shephard in relation to ongoing negotiations with CUPE nursing home workers:
Our government believes it is important to keep New Brunswickers updated on what is happening with the province’s nursing homes represented by CUPE.
A government representative has been at the table with the employer, the New Brunswick Association of Nursing Homes, since Monday.
Discussions have been ongoing. This week, as publicly requested by CUPE, an enhanced offer was presented by the New Brunswick Association of Nursing Homes.
However, at this time, the mediator has directed that the parties temporarily break and no further negotiations are scheduled this week. This is not an end to negotiations and we remain optimistic that the discussions this week and the enhanced offer from the employer will build towards an agreement that is fair to all parties.
While the parties continue to work towards a collective agreement, I want to assure New Brunswickers that contingency plans are in place to ensure that care can continue to be provided in our province’s nursing homes. We understand that contingencies alone will not alleviate concerns, and only when the threat of a strike is ended will nursing home residents and their families feel secure that they will continue to receive the current high level of care.
On Saturday, a temporary stay order was granted by the Court of Queen's Bench for 10 days to ensure the safety and security of the nursing home residents. With the exception of York Care Centre, employees in the other 45 homes are prohibited by law from striking during that time or until further order or directions from the court. This temporary stay was granted after government and the employer filed a motion with the Court of Queen’s Bench for a stay of a decision by the New Brunswick Labour and Employment Board with respect to the Essential Services in Nursing Homes Act. We have requested the stay until a ruling on the judicial review is received. The court will hear this motion on Friday, March 15.
14-03-19