Halifax childcare workers poised for strike

A group of Halifax childcare workers has voted in favour of a strike that could impact the families of nearly 450 children in Halifax. 

Fifty workers at five St. Joseph's Children's Centres voted in favour of the strike Tuesday night.

Naomi Stewart with the Canadian Union of Public Employees says pensions, benefits and wages are amon the key issues. She says workers don't make enough when compared with workers in other provinces.

"Oh we're pretty low," says Stewart. "In Ontario I have heard that they are paid, in some centres, over $20 an hour." 

Stewart says the workers in HRM are paid around $12 an hour.

Belinda Bignell-Leck, executive director with St. Joseph's Childrens Centres, says a strike would have serious consequences.

"Absolutely, the impact on 400 families and our staff is enormous," says Bignell-Leck.

The union is looking for a raise around 3% in each year of a three-year deal. Bignell-Leck says money is tight everywhere these days.

Both sides meet with a conciliator next week and the union says the earliest it can go on strike is some time in April.