Thousands of Nova Scotia's long term care workers are on the picket line right now, and people across the province are sharing the reality of what is happening inside our nursing homes. You will read messages from exhausted staff doing back-breaking work to cover for chronic understaffing. You will hear from relatives who watched these caregivers become a second family to their parents during end-of-life care. People are speaking out about the deep meaning of the work, the mental toll it takes, the daily struggle to pay bills on poverty wages, and their anger at a government that takes advantage of their dedication.
These unfiltered stories are proof we need immediate action: a living wage and safe staffing levels so these workers can actually survive.
katelyn t
north sydney, NS
Our healthcare staff are one of the most important jobs there is. They take care of the people who once cared for us. They get up everyday and not only go to work but they become family to those residents. They spend each day in and out making the lives of those who can no longer care for themselves better. That includes every department, one does not work without the other. Without one it crumbles, those workers deserve to be shown how much they are appreciated for what they do.
lisa l
prospect bay, NS
Everyone deserves to earn a living wage and these folks are taking care of a vulnerable group of folks. They deserve the respect a living wage can help provide.
shawna h
bay view, NS
I am a fellow CCA who works with a different union. However, I recognize the importance of the roles of these cupe members, how overworked and underpaid they are as they care for the provinces most vulnerable. I also see how very little the province recognizes the value and how how essential we all are as a team.
belinda n
clyde river, NS
I am a housekeeper at a long term facility and i cannot afford to live with my low wages. Also I love my residents and want better for them.
wayne f
fox brook, NS
Im supporting this because my mother and grandmother were well looked after in a home by these wonderful people they deserve to be paid descent the abuse they deal with everyday and they still show up with a smile they deserve way more than what they're asking do the right thing tim
meaghan s
halifax, NS
They have a demanding role and deserve at the very least a livable wage. In positions where people are responsible for the care and safety of seniors, fair pay helps support accountability, consistency, and quality of care. Most people in these roles are dedicated and hardworking, but when wages are not livable, it can lead to high turnover, burnout, and staffing shortages. That instability directly affects the wellbeing of the people they care for. Offering a livable wage is not just about fairness, it is about creating a stable, reliable workforce and ensuring seniors receive the level of care and respect they deserve.
akivah s
port williams, NS
I have seen first hand the debt we all owe these workers, who care for our family, friends, and fellow Nova Scotians at such a crucial time of their lives. Their value to our society is incalculable, and surely deserving of a living wage.
jane i
bay view, NS
A comfortable living wage for all workers is deserved. Better care will come from employees who are able to care for their own families first.
janet s
halifax, NS
All workers deserve a living wage. Those who work with vulnerable seniors in our province are foundational to the security families feel having aged loved ones in long term care. Respect families by respecting those that care for the elderly.
loretta d
yarmouth, NS
My own dear husband passed from Alzheimer’s two years ago. Throughout the aggressive times, the non-ambulatory times and finally the non-verbal, my husbands caregivers were the most empathetic and kind humans one could wish for. They deserve a living wage Mr. Houston.
innis m
aberdeen, NS
I am a retired RN who worked in long term care and had the opportunity to observe the heavy work load and tremendous caring that defines these Caregivers. They deserve fair treatment!
anne f
mahone bay, NS
I have worked in the Healthcare field and I am well aware of how critical support workers are for the well-being of our most vulnerable citizens. The hours are long and the tasks are difficult. There is little time for rest between shifts and staff are poorly compensated for work that is stressful often due to a shortage of workers. Poor wages and lack of recognition contribute to burnout and people leaving the profession. The should be wage parity with provinces and territories such as the Yukon, paying a living wage. Most workers are women. Exploitation of these workers must stop.
heather c
fisher's grant, NS
Because I worked 40yrs non stop in LTC and it's a brutal job. I gave up and could of stayed going but LTC is so understaffed, because of the workload. So give them the $ they deserve. It's always been a fight and you Tim Houston managed to thank them by forcing these good ppl to walk a picket line for the scraps that u throw at them. Wait and see what happens to those residents. Hope the Nova Scotia government can live with the results of interrupting of proper care.
walters young k
halifax, NS
I worked the field of human services for 45 years. It difficult work both mentally and physically. Albeit, rewarding because of the people you meet. We are the only people interaction the residents/clients have so this job is very important for their well-being. For too, too long the employees have worked for poor wages. Lower than the rest of Canada. Please pay them what they deserve.
joseph j
south ohio, NS
I have relatives and friends in these facilities and these people do go beyond the call of duty to help
catherine s
port hawkesbury, NS
I’m supporting the long-term care workers because they are essential and are worth their weight in gold. Mr. Premier they deserve a decent wage…..do the right thing and make an offer that isn’t an insult.
bonnie s
barrington passage, NS
Most of my family have been patients in the home here and now my daughter works there who is compatinate, caring and remarkable survivor herself who has Cystic Fibrosis. Agree with these people and stop this strike. Be compatinate and caring for your own soul.
marlene m
east bay, NS
Our family members deserve to have our lovely, caring, special, hard-working homecare workers treated better and financially looked after along with appropriate hours and vacation time to relax. Our family members miss them and the care they provide.
laina e
louisdale, NS
I'm a CCA and worked both long term care and Home care and what the Nova Scotia government is doing is not fair. Theses people work so hard miss time with their families to make sure our seniors are well taking care of. And it's ridiculous that the government won't give them the raise they deserve. To maintain a living in this province.
archie m
port hawkesbury, NS
These workers need a wage that will attract more people to their profession, their work is very important and the wage should reflect that.