Dorothy Shepard is the Progressive Conservative MLA for the riding of Saint John-Lancaster and the Minister of Social Development. (Submitted)
Fears of a strike by nursing home workers that could have started on Sunday have been averted for now at 45 of the 46 nursing homes involved.
Here is some of Social Development Minister Dorothy Shephard’s statement:
“I want to inform New Brunswickers that a temporary stay order has been granted by the Court of Queen’s Bench for 10 days.
With the exception of York Care Centre, employees in the other 45 homes will be prohibited from striking by law during that time.
This provides some peace of mind for residents and families and provides time for the parties to get back to the negotiating table.
While I support the collective bargaining process and workers ability to strike, the health and safety of nursing home residents is my primary concern.” Shephard says.
Status update on CUPE nursing homeshttps://t.co/sabFxs556c
— Government of NB (@Gov_NB) March 9, 2019
She goes on to say she knows each worker cares about their residents but, she says they are saddened that the union would announce its intention to strike before returning to the table.
On Thursday, nursing home workers voted 94 per cent in favour of a strike.
The dispute involves more than 4100 workers.
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