A deal has been reached between the Nova Scotia Nurses Union and Victorian Order of Nurses.

President Janet Hazelton said in a release that around 87 per cent voted in favour of the new five-year agreement, that has improvements in wages, premiums, safety and work-life balance.

“We can our VON members road warriors because they’re in their cars on the road, regardless of the weather, providing care to clients in their homes. They face many of the same issues experienced by nurses in other areas of care, but also challenges that are unique to their practice. While bargaining for our VON member we considered their uniqueness and their value to the communities in which they work,” said Janet Hazelton, President of the NSNU.

The NSNU said besides from a wage package that is competitive with acute care, the agreement provides safety protocols that ensure their employer is aware of their location overnight, increases to the late career retention bonus and retiree recruitment incentive.

The union represents over 900 LPN and RN’s in the community.

Those employed by the VON have been without a contract since October 31, 2020

The new agreement will expire October 31, 2025