Union asks for provincial mediation in contract dispute at Halifax retirement home

Published Thursday August 28th, 2008

THE CANADIAN PRESS

HALIFAX - The union for workers at a Halifax retirement home have asked the province to appoint a mediator after being unable to reach a new contract agreement with their employer.

In a news release, the Service Employees International Union Local 902, which represents 35 workers at the Melville Heights Retirement Facility, says talks broke down Tuesday after five months of collective bargaining.

Union negotiator Gerald Higgins says management's offer is "absolutely unacceptable," to licensed practical nurses, housekeeping and dietary aides who have not received a pay raise in five years.

Higgins says the employer has proposed a 40-month contract with no wage increases.

He says management also wants to reduce the current sick leave accumulation from 50 days to 75 hours.

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