Local 97 – CDHA Nurses – Negotiations to continue November 18th

Negotiations with your employer continued on November 4th and 5th

Although we have reached agreement on a few minor issues, we have not made any progress on scheduling issues, the use of vacation credits, or nurse-to-patient ratios.

The employer clearly indicated that the 12-hour shift schedule of four-on/five-off will not continue.

In spite of the employer’s position, the bargaining committee will be presenting a proposal regarding scheduling at our next meeting on Monday, November 18th. The membership has spoken loudly and clearly: work schedules are a major issue. We will send the proposal to you following our meeting on November 18th.

Although we have spent six days at the bargaining table, the employer has not withdrawn any of their proposals that the union views as “clawbacks” or “concessions” from the collective agreement. For example, the employer wants an inferior sick leave plan for new hires. They also want to discontinue the education premium for a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing for nurses hired after the ratification of the collective agreement. Additionally, the employer wants to discontinue the eleven per cent in lieu of benefits paid to casuals if casuals are receiving retiree benefits.

Your bargaining committee has soundly rejected these employer proposals.

Please watch for further updates leading up to and following our negotiations on November 18th.

Bargaining Committee

Susan Dobbin              susandobbin@accesswave.ca

Karen Ferguson          karenlocal97@live.ca

Janice Nicholson        janicenicholson575@gmail.com

Rebecca Norris           rebeccanorris1@hotmail.com

Kim Slack                       akslack@eastlink.ca   

Linda Power, Chief Negotiator

lhpower@eastlink.ca

Lynette Johnson, ERO

ljohnson@nsgeu.ca

424-4063

1-877-556-7438