Early childhood educators: It’s time to put pressure on our provincial government!

To all early childhood educators working in child care centres.  We have identified for government two practical steps that are within your power to implement and each would lead to a meaningful reduction in the risk you face and the risk faced by the children in your care. Put pressure on our provincial government! Exercise your rights and responsibilities under the Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act by taking the following steps. STEP 1: Report your concerns to your director The Occupational Health and Safety Act Section 17(a) lays out the steps to follow when you have concerns for your safety. We recommend that you make your complaint in writing and request a response. Copy the union in your correspondence by adding our email address cupens@cupe.ca.  You can encourage your director to pass along your concerns to the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development through your consultant. STEP 2: Follow up If the concern you report is not remedied to … Read more…

Web banner. Image: Three toddlers playing with blocks. All are wearing a face mask, except one with their mask under their chin.

Open letter to Minister Mombourquette from early childhood educators

The following letter was sent to Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development Derrick Mombourquette today on behalf of early childhood educators working in child care centres across Nova Scotia, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). Early childhood educators are asking the minister for a smaller staff-to-children ratio, lower classroom capacity limits, defined cohorts and larger spaces, to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19 within child care centres. Dear Minister Mombourquette: Early childhood educators have become a key piece to maintain essential public services in the province, especially now as we are experiencing the highest case numbers since the onset of the pandemic. Without their contributions, many essential workers would be unable to provide the services Nova Scotians must have during this time of crisis. While everyone else is required to work from home, stay out of schools, maintain masking and social distancing protocols, and reduce contact … Read more…

Webinar promotion banner. Illustration of a community with logos for CUPE NS, CUPE NL and CCPA. Text: Who's taking the cake, while we fight over the crumbs?

Webinar Series May 12 to June 9

The pandemic has revealed just who pays the costs and who benefits from the way our governments, society and economy work. Something that is not always easy to see—and that’s by design. This webinar series will bust the myths that blind us to the truth and provide you with the tools to realize an alternative vision, one where we are truly all in this together. CUPE Nova Scotia and CUPE Newfoundland and Labrador are teaming up with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives – NS for this three-part series of interactive discussions. We hope you can join us and take part in the discussions! Who’s taking the cake, while we fight over the crumbs?   Why I love taxes and why you should too Why is a government budget nothing like a household budget? Why is government debt not our biggest problem? Why are taxes good? Join our interactive discussion about … Read more…