Union holds local information picket in Stittsville amid stalled bargaining

Stittsville, ON – The union representing workers at Extendicare Crossing Bridge in Ottawa is calling attention to the continued delays at the bargain table. CUPE 1307 is one of eight CUPE locals participating in the Extendicare Central Table bargaining. This coordinated bargaining has set the pattern for long-term care wages and benefits in Ontario. Since the COVID-19 Pandemic, helping to improve the conditions for workers in long-term care and retirement homes across the province.

Talks have been stalled since June 29, 2026. This stall is beginning to have ripple effects across the sector, with some employers declining to begin bargaining until the Extendicare Central Table is resolved. Unlike other sectors, health care workers do not have the right to strike in Ontario. Instead, they are subject to the Hospital Labour Relations Dispute Arbitration Act (HLDAA), which imposes interest arbitration when the parties are unable to reach a negotiated agreement. The arbitration awards of previous negotiations are often used as a guiding principle for arbitrators when considering their current cases. This process has created a significant backlog in the long-term care sector, with some employers negotiating agreements that expire before they are signed.

“Our members work physically demanding jobs to provide quality care for the residents of our long-term care facilities. We deserve a contract that cares for us,” said Fisher Haynes Archer, President of CUPE 1307. “We’re here today shine a light on this situation. Long-Term Care workers shouldn’t have to wait for a fair deal.”

The union is holding their picket from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM outside Extendicare Crossing Bridge in Nepean to ensure workers from each of the day’s shifts has an opportunity to come down to the line to support. Union members, family of residents, and supportive community members are encouraged to attend. A media spokesperson will be available at 11:00 AM outside the facility at 2510 Wellings Private, Stittsville.