Minister Hopeful About Nursing Home Deal

New Brunswick’s social development minister believes a negotiated agreement is possible in the ongoing nursing home dispute.

But Dorothy Shephard says it will not happen if union leaders continue to demand “over-the-top” wage increases.

“While it’s safe to say we aren’t in the same ballpark when they come to the table demanding annual raises that we just don’t think are sustainable, we have signalled our willingness to look at wage increases equal to the cost of living going forward,” said Shephard.

Shephard gave an impromptu speech at the New Brunswick Association of Nursing Homes annual general meeting in Saint John Wednesday night.

She said nursing home workers deserve a wage which “adequately rewards them for a hard day’s work” — but the province’s financial situation demands restraint.

The AGM comes as workers at 46 nursing homes and the province try to reach a new contract agreement. No signs of any protestors here but several @saintjohnpolice officers are on hand.

— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) May 8, 2019

Workers at 46 nursing homes are being offered a four per cent wage hike over four years. The New Brunswick Council of Nursing Home Unions is seeking a 20 per cent increase over the same period.

Shephard said the province recently put forward an “enhanced” offer which would extend their offer to six years from four.

“The final two years would have plenty of potential to see wage increases in line with the cost of living,” she said.

But Shephard said they would have to be tied to initiatives which lead to improved performance or more efficient service delivery.

Shephard said she and Premier Blaine Higgs met with CUPE representatives in Fredericton on Wednesday for a “frank conversation about where we are, where we need to go, how we might get there.”

The two sides are scheduled to return to the bargaining table Thursday morning.

“I truly believe there is a path forward to a negotiated agreement that will be acceptable to both sides,” Shephard said.