Media Release – NSGEU Local 34, Home Support Workers at Northwood

Feb. 27, 2014

NSGEU Local 34, Home Support Workers at Northwood are on strike at 8am tomorrow for a fair agreement

Halifax – Members of NSGEU Local 34, home support workers at Northwood are on strike at 8am tomorrow morning, Friday, Feb. 28 for a fair agreement.

“These workers are asking to be paid the same wage as those who do their same jobs in hospitals, says NSGEU President Joan Jessome. “We have offered the McNeil government the option of arbitration in order to avoid the strike but he has opted to push us out on the street in an effort to control the bargaining process.”

There are over 420 members of the bargaining unit who support seniors, children, and adults, allowing them to stay in their own homes.

The McNeil government intends to interfere with the free collective bargaining process and introduce essential service legislation tomorrow that will take away the power of strikes.

“There are solidarity pickets going up at other home support agencies across the province as Local 34 members go out on strike tomorrow and take a stand for parity,” says Jessome. “This is an issue of fairness for all NSGEU home support workers.”

NSGEU Local 34 members are gathering at the NSGEU at 8am to travel to the legislature on buses.

NSGEU also represents approximately 700 VON home support workers in Shelburne, Barrington, Pictou, the Valley, and Colchester County who have a legal strike date of March 4. There are then nine other home support locals lined up behind the VON with strike dates through March.

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The Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union represents over 28,000 women and men who provide quality public services Nova Scotians count on everyday.

For more information or to arrange an interview with NSGEU President, Joan Jessome, please contact:

Deedee Slye, NSGEU Communications Officer – 424.4063 (office) – 497.6761 (cell)

dslye@nsgeu.ca