Health P.E.I. Extends Deadlines for Agency Staff Usage in Long-Term Care

A labour arbitrator initially ordered Health P.E.I. to stop using some private agency staff in long-term care homes because the authority had violated provisions of union agreements regarding staff subcontracting. This initial order was for a 13-week period. Through subsequent talks with Health P.E.I. leadership, the deadline was extended to March 31, 2027. This new agreement requires Health P.E.I. to cease using private agencies for Residential Care Workers and Patient Care Workers by that date.

The agreement mandates that Health P.E.I. must also pay the Union of Public Sector Employees foregone dues for every shift filled by agency staff dating back to December 2022. The union noted that the use of agency staff often cost the health-care system two or three times more than the wages of frontline health staff.