FREDERICTON — At 4:00 p.m. today, May 21, 2025, the New Brunswick Council of Nursing Home Unions (NBCNHU) representing over 4,500 workers across more than 51 nursing homes in the province, will officially sign a new collective agreement with the New Brunswick Association of Nursing Homes.

This hard-fought agreement marks a historic win for nursing home workers, who will, by the end of the new contract in 2028—finally achieve wage parity with healthcare workers. This long-overdue milestone restores fairness that had been eroded for decades.

“This is a good day for our members and for the seniors they care for,” said Sharon Teare, President of the NBCNHU. “Workers stood strong, and I commend their resolve and their activism through a long but ultimately fruitful negotiation process. Their determination has paid off.”

The union also acknowledged the important role played by the provincial government, which funds nursing home operations. “We recognize the provincial government’s willingness to do what previous administrations failed to do: invest in care by investing in caregivers,” said the spokesperson. “Their role in bringing this deal across the finish line was essential,” said Teare.

The previous contract had expired in late 2022 and negotiations were at an impasse with the previous government. “We are happy to see a new deal for cooperation between the province, the workers and the nursing home association,” said NBCNHU Vice President Jason Saint Onge.

The new agreement includes annual wage increases of more than one dollar per hour for each year of the agreement. This was reached without any concessions on working conditions or benefits.

“This deal will help address the recruitment and retention issues plaguing the sector. This will mean better hands-on care for seniors,” said Teare.

The New Brunswick Council of Nursing Home Unions represents licensed practical nurses, personal support workers, cooks, janitorial staff, and other essential frontline workers who make nursing homes run every day.