In a decision handed down by the Nova Scotia Labour Board on February 19, Wynn Park Villa nursing home – and all employers – are reminded that they cannot violate workers’ rights to form a union, which are protected by the Nova Scotia Trade Union Act.
The 113-page decision declares that the employer, located in Truro, NS, did engage in unfair labour practices in February and March 2021 during a union organizing drive by the Canadian Union of Public Employees’ (CUPE) Local 5483.
The decision upheld the union’s complaint that the employer had violated the Trade Union Act when representatives of the nursing home questioned and intimidated workers about their union involvement.
“We are pleased with the labour board’s decision. It’s the right of all workers to join a union, free from interference or intimidation,” says CUPE Nova Scotia President Nan McFadgen. “As CUPE members, we will always stand together to defend our legislated rights.”
The full decision, which will be posted to Canlii, also states that there is no evidence to support the employer’s claim that the union behaved improperly.
A new vote will take place shortly; however, the union has concerns that employees hired after the date of the first vote held in March 2021 will not be eligible to cast a ballot in the upcoming vote.
CUPE Nova Scotia is the second largest union in the province with more than 19,000 members. CUPE represents the largest number of workers in Nova Scotia’s long term care sector, with more than 4,000 members at 50 nursing homes.