Today was a very exciting and packed day at CUPE Nova Scotia convention! Starting with a breakfast sponsored by the National Officers, where National Secretary Treasurer Candace Rennick and National President Mark Hancock discussed the recent federal election with delegates.
Donna Van Kroonenburg’s delivered her report as CUPE Nova Scotia Secretary Treasurer, followed by Candace Rennick, who delivered her report as National Secretary Treasurer. Sister Rennick spoke to delegates about the historic budget implemented this year, and the exciting member-led priorities being implemented at the national union.
Sarah Ryan, Research Officer at the national union presented Understanding Artificial Intelligence: A guide for CUPE members to delegates, covering the different ways artificial intelligence can impact our jobs and our workplaces.
The Constitutional Amendments and Resolutions Committee brought the following resolutions to the floor:
- #3 Connect with all library worker in school in all RCEs – CARRIED
- #6 Continue to lobby the provincial government to continue to pay education workers at their regular rate of pay when they are off because of violence they have experienced at work – CARRIED
Just before lunch, delegates took part in a rally in support of home care workers who have been in bargaining four over a year and out of contract for four years! This rally was an incredible show of solidarity for our fellow members in the home support sector.
Marcella Balleux, Vice-President of Local 3953, and Jenn Smith, President of Local 3986 spoke at the rally, describing the unsafe working conditions and subpar wages that vulnerable home support workers are trying to fight at the bargaining table.
Kendra Coombes, MLA for Cape Breton Centre Whitney Pier and our National Secretary Treasurer Candace Rennick and National President Mark Hancock also joined delegates at this action and addressed the large crowd gathered in front of Sydney’s City Hall.
This afternoon, delegates heard from Claudia Chender, Leader of the Official Opposition & Dartmouth South MLA, as well as reports from Tracey Pinder, Atlantic Regional Director and Govind Rao, Political Action Coordinator.
The Sean Foley CUPE Nova Scotia Health and Safety Award was presented to Samantha Williams of Local 3912.
Delegates heard from a panel of members who addressed the issue of violence in the workplace.
The CUPE NS Health and Safety Panel included Cheryl Burbidge, Local 8920; Nelson Scott, Local 5050 President; Patricia Perry, Local 4459 President and CUPE Atlantic Human Rights representative Jenna Brookfield.
The panel was followed by the Constitutional Amendments and Resolutions Committee, who brought the following resolutions to the floor for debate and discussion by delegates:
- #10 do a public awareness campaign on the impact of the housing crisis and its impact on working people – CARRIED
- #16 Commit financial and staff resources to raise public awareness of the value of CUPE post-secondary education workers in Nova Scotia – CARRIED
- #5 Create a campaign direct at parents to end violence in our schools – CARRIED