Workers from Harbour View Haven participated in a rally calling for improved working conditions. Photo: Cheyenne Nelson
Workers from Harbour View Haven in Lunenburg spent the morning out in the cold as they called for improved working conditions.
“Long term care is suffering both the patients and staff so we are advocating to the public to let them know what we and their loved ones are dealing with,” said Laura Stewart, President of CUPE Local 4919 which represents workers at Harbour View Haven.
Direct care hours is one of the key things the union would like to see an increase in their next contract. Currently, residents are mandated to receive 2.45 direct care hours, the union is calling for an increase to 4.1 hours.
Stewart says they need a meaningful wage increase in excess of $19-$20 that the province claims is a living wage. “We are losing new hires to minimum wage jobs because they are burning out and don’t see an end in sight,” Stuart said.
The demonstration at Harbour View Haven was done in conjunction with 20 other events around the province as part of a ‘Day of Action’. Long term care workers from around the province gathered outside their workplaces, political offices and other public spaces to raise awareness to the issue.
Prior to today’s events Louise Riley, chair of CUPE’s Long-Term Care and Community Services Coordinating Committee said they would view the rallies as a success if they can get firm dates to negotiate their new contract with the province.
