CUPE and Health PEI Reach New Tentative Collective Agreement

Health PEI and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) are pleased to announce a tentative three-year collective agreement covering the period from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2026. CUPE members in health care (Locals 805, 1051, 1778, and 1779) will vote on the agreement on Tuesday, June 24. 

The tentative agreement represents a shared commitment to building a stronger health system through fair compensation, improved working conditions, and long-term staffing stability. 

“This tentative agreement reflects the power of collaboration and our shared commitment to improving health care for all Islanders. CUPE members play a vital role in every corner of our health system, and I want to sincerely thank them for their continued dedication. This agreement provides meaningful recognition of their work—through better wages, improved conditions, and a renewed focus on retention. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient health system that values those who deliver care and supports better access to care for Islander today and into the future."

-  Health and Wellness Minister Mark McLane

“CUPE members are highly valued members of our health-care team across Prince Edward Island,” said Melanie Fraser, CEO of Health PEI. “This tentative agreement shows what we can achieve when we work together to find solutions. We remain committed to building a more sustainable health system for all Islanders.” 
  
“It has been a very difficult five years for our members. We went through COVID-19, rising living costs, staff shortages, and more than two years without a contract,” said Robyn Sharpe, President of CUPE Local 1051. “This investment recognizes the critical role our members play in the health system and gives them the respect and support they deserve.” 
  
John MacKenzie, Chief Shop Steward for Local 805 and long-time member of the bargaining team, said: “This was one of the most difficult rounds of negotiations we've faced, but it resulted in a historic agreement that our members have earned. I am not the only one who feels that this deal will be life-changing for workers. It's an exceptionally good deal, and I’m happy to see that Health PEI and the Province are investing in their front-line staff.”
  
Key Highlights of the Tentative Agreement: 

• General wage increases of 10.5% over three years
• A $5.50/hour wage grid reset, effective April 1, 2025, to improve competitiveness and address wage compression
• A Full-Time Commitment Pay of $1.07/hour worked (on a trial basis, expiring March 31, 2026)
• Service Retention Premiums:
  • Additional 2% after 10 years of service
  • An additional 2% after 15 years
• Increased shift premiums:
  • $2.25/hour for shift work
  • $3.50/hour for weekend shifts
• A $500 Retiree Return Incentive
• A $130,000 annual Professional Development Fund with structured reporting 

This agreement was made possible with the support of the Government of Prince Edward Island and Treasury Board, which provided an updated mandate aimed at achieving a fair outcome. Negotiations resumed collaboratively ahead of a scheduled interest arbitration hearing in October 2025. CUPE and Health PEI remain committed to working together to support a resilient, responsive, and respectful public health care system for all Islanders. 
  
CUPE Locals 805, 1051, 1778, and 1779 represent over 1300 health care workers in the PEI public health system. They represent workers in laundry, dietary, maintenance, maintenance trades,  housekeeping, ward clerks, sterile technicians and more. They work in our hospitals, public long-term care homes, addiction treatment centres and public health offices. 
  
Health PEI is responsible for the delivery of publicly funded health services in Prince Edward Island. The organization operates hospitals, health centres, public long-term care nursing facilities and community-based programs and services. Health PEI’s primary goals are to provide Islanders with safe, quality, person-centered care and services; provide access to appropriate care by the right provider in the right setting; and, optimize resources and processes to sustain a viable health care system. 
  
For more information:  
Dave Atkinson
Senior Communications Officer
Health PEI 
datkinson@ihis.org 

Lori MacKay
CUPE Servicing Representative
lmackay@cupe.ca