Baddeck Long Term Care Workers Vote to Strike

BADDECK, NS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alderwood Rest Home workers, represented by Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) 1635, voted 99% in favour of a strike mandate late last week, joining over 30 CUPE long term care locals in calling for improved wages and retention.

“I think the fact that thousands of long term care workers have voted to go on strike, something that is hard physically, emotionally, and financially, tells you what the state of long term care is,” said CUPE 1635 President Elsa Roberts. “We’re stretched thin and reaching our breaking point, and it feels like that doesn’t matter to this government. But we care. We care about our residents, the homes we work in, and our families, and this vote, alongside all the others, shows we’re willing to keep fighting to make that care matter again.”

In the last quarter of 2025, CUPE represented long term care homes began taking strike votes as bargaining with the provincial government had stalled following a subpar wage offer. These workers have banded together as a sector to fight for wage increases that recognize the increased cost of living, with an extra focus on classifications such as support services, that were left out of previous health care adjustments provided by the government outside bargaining.

“Everyone keeps asking me if it’s all about the money, if that’s the only thing we care about, but the reality is the government’s refusal to invest in the workers who keep long term care running is the reason the sector is struggling,” explained CUPE Long Term Care Coordinator Tammy Martin. “Adding beds and building new homes won’t help if there is no one left to provide care. Offering CCAs free tuition won’t help if they use that certification to work in any of the other sectors or provinces that pay better. The solution is simple: pay the workers what they’re worth. Start there.”

CUPE returns to the bargaining table for conciliation January 29^th and 30^th.

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