Local 97 – CDHA Nurses – Bargaining Update – March 27, 2014

As you know, mediation talks between the Employer and Local 97 bargaining committee have reached an impasse. We were able to find common ground on a few minor proposals, but we were not able to bring final offer from your employer back to the members for recommendation, because there was no agreement on scheduling and vacation, replacement of sick calls and nurse to patient ratios.

Mediator Bruce Outhouse has agreed to offer his services again if both sides should wish to meet and resume bargaining.

We are in the midst of a 14-day countdown to a legal strike, as per the Labour Board, and will be in a legal strike position as of 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, April 3rd. But, we have a government that is very likely to introduce essential services legislation, which will effectively take away your right to strike. Collectively, nurses have decided if government moves to take away your right to strike with this legislation, they will take immediate strike action. This does not mean your patients will be abandoned. The NSGEU has developed a comprehensive emergency services plan, which ensures patients’ safety will not be compromised, even in the event of an illegal strike.

We have finalized emergency staffing levels in the event of a legal or illegal strike (which would occur on your next shift, if essential services legislation is tabled before Thursday, April 3rd).

We have identified contact people in each area who are now part of the extended mobilization team to ensure members get all the information they need. These contact people know what staffing levels in their area are going to be, who should work and who should picket, and will help share this information with their co-workers. We would expect the employer, through your manager, to be working closely with these contact people to make sure adequate, safe staffing levels are maintained and to help identify any areas of concern throughout the strike

It is important for you to know who your contact person is and starting today, we will begin having your contact person identify themselves to you. If you are not sure who your contact person is, please call Rick Wiseman at 220-4477.

Similarly, if you work in community mental health, forensics and public health, or another area outside of the hospital, and are unsure about how a strike will affect you, please contact Rick Wiseman at 220-4477.

Our strike headquarters is located at 6009 Quinpool Road (corner of Quinpool and Robie with the entrance off of Robie Street). The strike headquarters phone number is 717-8830.

Over the next few days, it is important to check either the NSGEU Local 97 Facebook group or Local 97 Facebook page to stay connected and up-to-date. We will also send emails to members on any new developments, so please keep an eye on your email.