This is an archive of news stories and research from the National Union of Public and General Employees. Please see our new site - https://nupge.ca - for the most current information.
“This group of workers play a vital role in our province’s health care system: providing care and support to some of our provinces most vulnerable." — Jerry Earle, NAPE President
St. John's (09 Sept. 2015) — The Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE/NUPGE) has reached a tentative agreement for nearly 3,000 home care workers across Newfoundland and Labrador.
Home care workers' tentative agreement provides improvements
The tentative agreement is between home care workers, represented by NAPE/NUPGE, and the following 17 home care agencies, referred to as the ‘Group of 17’: A Better Living, Maximum Home Support, Total Care Nursing, Bettercare, Notre Dame Compassionate, Your Home Care Services, Comfort Home Care, Provincial (Central), Loving Hands, Compassion Home Care, Provincial (Eastern), Serenity Home Care, Exploits Home Care, Quality Home Care, Horwoods Home Care, Helping Hands and Rosemore Home Care.
Bargaining for the Group of 17 had been referred to conciliation in June.
The tentative agreement includes monetary increases in wages as well as improvements in contract language.
Home care workers vital to health care system
“This was a difficult set of negotiations and we are pleased to reach this stage,” said NAPE President Jerry Earle. “This group of workers play a vital role in our province’s health care system: providing care and support to some of our provinces most vulnerable. So it is good to see them take a step towards the dignity and respect that they deserve for the valuable service they provide."
“The provincial government should be commended for recognizing the vital role that home care workers play in our province by providing the funds necessary to help us reach this tentative agreement,” stated Earle.
Details of the tentative agreement will be released to members at the ratification meetings, which are currently being scheduled.
Bargaining continues with several other home care agencies
NAPE/NUPGE is still in various stages of bargaining with the following home care agencies: Caregivers, Tender Loving care, South Coast Home Care, All Care Home Support, Best of Care, Angel’s Touch Home Care, Caring Hans Home Care, Placentia Home Care/Home Sweet Home, and In Home Health Care.
NAPE/NUPGE is hopeful that a tentative agreement with the Group of 17 will lead to a speedy resolution to these remaining sets of negotiations.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 360,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE