Nine nurses at Kiknu Long Term Care in Eskasoni, Nova Scotia have voted 100 per cent in favour of ratifying their first collective agreement with UFCW Canada Eastern Provinces Council Local 864, marking a significant step forward in wages, workplace protections, and paid time off.
Monetary gains include wage increases of two per cent annually during the life of the agreement, dating back to Nov. 1, 2024, and includes a “me-too” clause, ensuring nurses will receive higher increases if better wage adjustments are negotiated elsewhere within the Nova Scotia Health Authority during the contract.
Several wage premiums have also been added for nurses working in demanding conditions including a $4 night shift premium and a $4 weekend premium.
An additional premium of $2 per hour has also been implemented when a registered nurse is assigned to oversee the facility in the absence of management.
In terms of overtime hours, nurses who work more than 84 hours in a two-week period or more than 12 hours in a day will receive 1.5 times their regular rate, increasing to double time for more than 16 hours in a shift.
Group benefits and pension coverage with 50/50 cost-sharing between the employer and members was also added with the pension plan including an employer match of 8.7 per cent, helping nurses build long-term retirement security.
Casual employees who opt out of the benefits plan will receive an additional 11 per cent of their earnings each pay period.
Nurses will receive 12 paid statutory holidays and three additional float holidays for dates including National Indigenous Peoples Day and Treaty Day, with defined scheduling protections for holidays, ensuring employees alternate between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day off.
Vacation time begins at 15 days a year up to a maximum of 25 as well as up to 18 paid sick days annually, bereavement leave and maternity, parental, and adoption leave.
For the nine nurses at Kiknu Long Term Care, the unanimous ratification reflects strong support for a contract that establishes a solid foundation for future improvements while recognizing the essential work nurses perform in long-term care.
