'Our members are very saddened that their employer and the government forced them to make the decision.' - NSGEU president Joan Jessome
Halifax (25 April 2007) - Members of the health care bargaining unit at the Izaak Walton Killam (IWK) Health Sciences Centre in Halifax could strike as early as April 30 in order to convince their employer to negotiate a fair contract settlement.
Approximately 600 employees at the hospital, the largest in the province, have voted 96% against a so-called final offer from management. Earlier in the month they voted 94% in favour of a walkout if necessary.
“Health care staff at the IWK have once again sent a strong message to the IWK and the government,” says NSGEU president Joan Jessome.
“They are highly specialized and dedicated health care staff who are not willing to settle for anything less than a fair settlement on wages and benefits," Jessome says. "The issues in dispute are a fair wage settlement and equity in benefits with their counterparts at Capital Health.”
The last contract expired Oct. 31. Bargaining began Nov. 24 and reached an impasse on March 27. Talks resumed with an conciliator on April 18 but ended soon afterward.
“Unfortunately, it quickly became apparent to us that the employer was unwilling to negotiate seriously when they tabled an offer that was almost identical to its last proposal," Jessome says. "Our members are very saddened that their employer and the government forced them to make the decision to go on strike not once but twice in one week. It’s the only avenue left to fight for a fair settlement.”
The employees work in over 60 different classifications. The list includes laboratory and X-Ray technologists, child care workers, respiratory therapists and social workers. NUPGE
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IWK health care workers in Nova Scotia vote 94% to strike
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