Some 4,000 homecare workers employed by more than 20 private companies have narrowly voted to reject a contract offer despite their union’s recommendation to accept.
NAPE held a series of meetings across the province explaining details of the proposal, which was rejected by about 54 per cent of those who voted.
Union president Jerry Earle says he’d like to see the companies, known as the “group of 22,” go back to the bargaining table and try again to reach a settlement.
He would also like to see government at the table, noting homecare is a provincial responsibility.
But Earle admits he doesn’t think that will happen.
“I wish these workers were public sector employees, they deserve to be, they are health care providers,” he said. “They really feel left out and offended, for what they contribute to the health care system in this profit-driven model.
“None of these operators are hurting but the frontline members are.”