‘I’d like to see it done before Christmas’: N.B. government still trying to reach agreement with nurses
A strike vote is looming for the New Brunswick Nurses Union – after the rejection of two tentative agreements this fall.
The union is planning a town hall information session for members on Tuesday, and are 'gearing up' to take strike votes later this week. But the N.B. government said Friday, talks are ongoing and have remained positive.
“We all want to see it happen sooner than later,” said N.B. Health Minister Dorothy Shephard. “And certainly when I did some travels last week throughout the province, we talked to medical staff about safety, so I know that’s top of mind.”
Registered nurses, nurse practitioners, nurse managers and supervisors have been without a contract since Dec. 2018.
President of the NBNU, Paula Doucet, has described difficult working conditions, including 24 hour shifts, violent incidents, denied vacation and burnout. There are hundreds of vacant nursing positions across the province – and the pandemic has made the shortage even more difficult.
“After two rejected tentative agreements, nurses in this province are sending a message to government and employers that enough is enough and things need to start changing for the better,” she said Sunday. “It’s a difficult thing for nurses to do, but they have found their strength collectively to demand better for themselves and the patients/residents/clients they provide healthcare to in N.B.”
Premier Blaine Higgs said they’ve reviewed nurses’ shift schedules, and acknowledge they can be grueling.
He also recognized issues around workplace safety, and said they are trying to find ways to make hospitals safer.
“It’s kind of unconscionable, to think that we’re at an age in time where our hospitals are not safe to go to work,” he said. “I think it’s unfortunate that someone is in the position to work longer shifts than anyone should be expected to, but not only once or now and then because of an emergency – but quite routinely. And they’ve made it clear they just can’t have a work/life balance without that being addressed, and I don’t disagree.”
Higgs said he’s hoping an agreement can be reached before Christmas.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Live updates: What star witness in Trump hush money case has said on the stand so far
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial took the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
'Be very, very careful': Wildfire conditions 'still extreme,' says Alberta fire chief
As wildfire conditions remain 'extreme' in northern Alberta, residents are being urged to be extra cautious and follow a fire ban.
Wildfire smoke drifts across Canada, over parts of U.S., prompting air quality advisories
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Canucks' Zadorov fined $5,000 for post-game crosscheck on Oilers' McDavid
A Vancouver Canucks defenceman has been given the highest possible fine under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement after a scrum broke out at the end of Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night.
WATCH LIVE City of Ottawa negligent in allowing Uber to operate outside of taxi bylaw, judge rules
An Ontario Superior Court judge has ruled that the City of Ottawa was negligent in its enforcement of the city's taxi bylaw when it allowed Uber to begin operating in 2014, harming the city's established taxi industry.
Jerry Seinfeld speech prompts pro-Palestinian demonstration at U.S. university graduation ceremony
A tiny contingent of Duke University graduates opposed pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement in North Carolina Sunday, with about 30 of the 7,000 students leaving their seats and chanting "free Palestine" amid a mix of boos and cheers.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.