Nova Scotia Health Care Workers Join IAMAW
Thursday November 9, 2006
For Immediate Release
Halifax, NS – Health care workers at the Braeside Home for Special Care in Middle Musquodobit Nova Scotia have joined the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
“These people joined the IAM because they no longer wanted to be the ‘have not’ health care professionals in this province,” said Ken Russell IAMAW District 140 General Chairperson. The 31 newest members of IAMAW Local Lodge 2797 include personal care workers, activities/rehabilitation aides, continuing care assistants and housekeeping workers.
“Many of these new members perform the same duties as a registered nurse with the exception of the administration of medicine but they’re paid far less,” explained Russell. While improvement in wages and benefits were important, these workers are also seeking the creation of a wage progression grid, a protocol for promotion and a valid seniority list.
“This is the first time the Machinists have organized a professional health care group in this province and we view it as a growth area for our union,” Russell said.
