NSGEU members at Yarmouth/Argyle Home Support vote to strike

“Home support workers play a critical role within our healthcare system. They certainly deserve the same hourly wage their counterparts receive,” said Joan Jessome, NSGEU President.

Halifax (23 Jan. 2014) – Home support staff in the Yarmouth/Argyle area have voted 94 per cent in favour of a strike to back up their bargaining demands as they prepare for conciliation. 

Key issue in bargaining for home support workers in Nova Scotia is wage parity

This is the fourth of 14 home support locals represented by the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees (NSGEU/NUPGE) that will be holding strike votes in January. The key issue at stake is wage parity, as they are still paid less to do the same work that is being done in hospital and long-term care settings.

“Home support workers play a critical role within our healthcare system. They have the same training and they do the same type of work, but they are working under very different conditions outside of the typical health care setting. They certainly deserve the same hourly wage their counterparts receive,” said Joan Jessome, NSGEU President. “This local has sent a strong message of support to their bargaining committee as they head into conciliation.”

Three other groups NSGEU/NUPGE home support members voted to strike to back bargaining priorities

Earlier this month, other groups of NSGEU/NUPGE members at Home Support Digby/Clare, Home Support, VON Tri-County and VON Pictou County voted overwhelming in favour of striking to back their bargaining demands.

There are approximately 38 members who provide home support services for clients in the Yarmouth/Argyle region.

NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 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