Health Care Strike Vote-Message from NSGEU President Jason MacLean

After more than a year, and nearly 40 bargaining and conciliation dates, we still do not have a new collective agreement for our health care members. What has become even more frustrating is that since January the bargaining committee has witnessed a serious slow down in process from the employers. In fact, the employers have tabled proposals clawing back significant rights and benefits.

This booklet was prepared to answer your questions and provide you with the dates and times of the many town halls that will take place, both in person and by phone in the coming weeks.

A telephone town hall will take place tomorrow, April 5 at 7:30 p.m. Please listen in or ask a question. If someone you know is a member, but not receiving these emails, please forward it to them and remind them to call the NSGEU office and make sure we have their updated contact information.

Over the past year I have had the opportunity to meet many of you and I have heard you tell me how long and frustrating the bargaining process has become.

I encourage every one to attend a town hall, get engaged, share information, have conversations and turn out to vote. This is your chance to cast a vote and have your voice heard. This is the first time a province-wide strike vote for health care workers has ever taken place. You all know that health care is in crisis, and we want a fair collective agreement.

The government needs to stop attacking health care workers and instead address the crisis in health care. It has become clear that the NSHA and IWK are taking advantage of the restructuring in health care and will do everything they can to take away as many of your benefits and rights gained over decades of collective bargaining.

Your bargaining committee is asking that you give us a strike vote to protect these hard-earned benefits and to send a message to the employers and Stephen McNeil that you want these negotiations taken seriously.

We believe a strong strike vote is the only way to conclude a fair collective agreement on your behalf.

In solidarity,

Jason MacLean

President, NSGEU