Web banner. Photo: 2 school cafeteria workers. Image: CUPE NS logo

CUPE calling on Nova Scotia Public Health and Halifax Regional Education Centre to take additional preventative measures

With case numbers of COVID-19 escalating among school aged children and with many new variants in the province, the risk has clearly increased, says Lisa deMolitor, chairperson of the Nova Scotia School Board Council of Unions, representing approximately 4,500 school support staff. However, the government has not done enough in response to reduce the risk. “The closure of schools, or families of schools, is only contemplated after the virus is present in a school. That is not a precautionary measure, nor is it the only step that could be taken to keep our schools safe. There are actions that could be implemented provincewide in the schools that are still open, to enhance safety such as: Further limiting and reducing the movement of students throughout the school Suspending activities such as gym and band, where masks are being removed Suspending sports practices and games, as students will not be wearing masks … Read more…

A message from Nan McFadgen

Dear members, friends and neighbours: This last year has been difficult and the news that COVID numbers in Nova Scotia are rising again, that many schools have closed, and that we are now facing more restrictions, is a lot to take in. I’ve been talking with many CUPE members over the last few days and I’ve been hearing how concerned they are about the case numbers. They’ve told me how worried they are about keeping themselves safe, keeping each other safe at work, and keeping their families safe. Even though things have been relatively good here in Nova Scotia, as compared to other parts of the country, we’re still in the middle of a pandemic and we’re still following all the protocols. This experience is weighing heavily on all of us. We can help each other. Check on a neighbour, call a friend, run an errand. Do the things that … Read more…

Web banner. Image Teacher talking to young student at his desk. Both are wearing face masks. CUPE NS logo.

CUPE school support staff appreciate decisive action to close 32 schools in Nova Scotia

Halifax – Representatives from the Nova Scotia School Board Council of Unions (NSSBCU) are pleased that Nova Scotia Public Health and the Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE) have taken decisive action today, closing 32 schools due to the discovery of active cases of COVID-19 in at least nine public schools this week. “We are calling on the Province to take similar swift action should the same situation happen in any of our other regional school districts,” says NSSBCU Chairperson Lisa deMolitor. Chris Melanson, president of CUPE 5047 representing 1,600 school support staff in the Halifax region, says, “Prince Andrew High School is another family of schools that is located between Auburn, Dartmouth and Cole Harbour high schools. Many of our members have children who attend the schools that have active cases and are now closed, but this presents a real hardship.” “These school support staff workers may have to … Read more…