Nursing home workers in Saint John in March 2019. (Photo credit: Tamara Steele)
An ongoing dispute between the New Brunswick government and workers at 46 nursing homes was back in court on Friday.
A judicial review was held with respect to a labour board ruling regarding essential services legislation in the event of a strike.
In December, the labour board ruled a section of the Essential Services in Nursing Homes Act was unconstitutional, allowing nursing home workers to strike.
The province filed for a judicial review in March after roughly 4,100 unionized workers voted overwhelmingly in favour of a strike.
Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Tracey DeWare is expected to issue her ruling July 5.
Workers Prevented From Striking
In a brief statement Friday evening, Social Development Minister Dorothy Shephard said they hope DeWare’s ruling will provide clarity on the matter.
“In the meantime, I remain optimistic the two sides will eventually succeed in reaching a negotiated settlement,” said Shephard.
Workers 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.
The two sides returned to the table on May 8 but negotiations were once again put on hold on May 14.
A separate court ruling prevents workers from walking off the job while the review is being heard.
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