Unionized workers at Selkirk Place in Victoria are still in negotiations after two days of mediation ended without a deal in place.
The Hospital Employees’ Union, which represents more than 250 workers employed by Retirement Concepts at the facility, is considering its next steps, said spokesman Neil Monckton.
HEU represents registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, care aides, and housekeeping, dietary, laundry and secretarial staff at the facility. Workers voted 98 per cent in favour of strike action, Monckton said.
The workers without a contract since September 2015, he said. Bargaining began in March. The employer made a mediation request on Sept. 8.
Selkirk Place, 385 Waterfront Cres., is a six-storey apartment-style residence on the Selkirk waterfront near the Gorge waterway, home to more than 200 seniors. It has 25 publicly subsidized units and 16 private pay units. There is also a complex-care facility on the same site.
Island Health spokeswoman Kellie Hudson said funded long-term care sites are independent entities and Island Health is not involved with their labour negotiations.
The health authority’s main objective is to ensure safe quality care, Hudson said.
“If a strike happens, Island Health will monitor the situation. Our expectation is that services will continue without interruption and that there will be no negative impact on the residents or their families.”
The union claims workers have not received a raise in eight years and the employer is pushing for changes that could contribute to higher staff turnover.
“Our members are often asked to work overtime or short-staffed, creating unmanageable workloads,” Monckton said. “This can lead to injury, staff burnout and rushed care.”
