HALIFAX — The Nova Scotia government says the union representing about 3,500 striking long-term care workers refused to return to the bargaining table this weekend.

The unionized workers at 35 long-term care facilities, members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, have been on strike for six weeks.

Seniors Minister Barbara Adams released an open letter late Saturday, saying the government had asked the union to resume negotiations Friday, Saturday or Sunday, but she says the union decided to wait until next week.

The union could not be immediately reached for comment.

Adams says she understands the labour dispute has caused stress for long-term care residents and their families, adding that they deserve “stability, consistency and compassionate care.”

Meanwhile, the government released details of a contract offer that it says was presented to the union May 7.

The offer includes: wage increases between 12 and 24 per cent over four years; retroactive pay to 2023; increased evening and weekend premiums; access to a defined benefit pension; an additional $2 per hour beginning in 2027 for those earning less than $23 an hour; and an additional 1.5 per cent increase for all workers next year.


This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 24, 2026.

The Canadian Press