Some long-term care workers have filed for conciliation after a bargaining break-down with the province.

In a release, CUPE says negotiations on a new contract broke down Monday with the Houston government.

They say the government is offering the bare minimum, and are refusing to look at their proposals.

The union says their proposals include pay increases to bring the workers on par with others in Atlantic Canada, and adjustments to improve worker retention and recruitment.

Workers from over 50 long-term care homes have been taking strike votes, with many agreeing to job action.

Last week, the province’s long-term care minister Barbara Adams said she has every confidence the government will reach a good and fair contract with the workers.

Adams said the province has upped staffing by 33 percent over the last four years, the highest rate in the country.