Calling all CUPE long-term care members! Invitation to participate in research study

Are you a CUPE member working in long-term care? You’re invited to participate in a research project entitled “The Work Culture of Nursing Homes in Nova Scotia: A Qualitative Study”. CUPE Nova Scotia’s Division Executive is encouraging our members to be interviewed for this exciting study that will help us advocate for our members. About the Project Oral history interviews will be conducted with current long-term care (LTC) workers who are confronting COVID-19 in nursing homes. The project hopes to interview CUPE members who are LPNs, CCAs, RNs, and others involved in front-line care. This project is interested in the experiences of front-line health care providers in long term care. Through using interviews, media accounts, and documents, it will provide an analysis of the ways in which front-line workers shape the care of long-term care residents. This project will explore the ways in which front-line workers in LTC settings have … Read more…

Illustration: map of Nova Scotia with a heart

CUPE calls on Ottawa to conduct inquiry: the only appropriate response to largest mass shooting in Canadian history

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) , the largest union in Canada, is calling on the federal government to conduct a full public inquiry into the worst mass shooting in Canadian history that occurred in Nova Scotia in April, the only appropriate response to the largest mass shooting in Canadian history. Both CUPE National and CUPE Nova Scotia want to see an “inquiry” take place because it could compel anyone to testify at public hearings under oath, unlike the three-person panel “review” that was announced last week and will happen behind closed doors. An inquiry would also ensure recommendations will be implemented and enforced. CUPE National President Mark Hancock says, “Canadians need to know the full truth and to learn what could be done to prevent similar tragedies in future. We shouldn’t have to ask our government to do the right thing. The killing of 22 people during a … Read more…

School students using hand sanitizer after entering a classroom.

School support staff raise concerns about inadequate funding and staffing

Representatives of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Nova Scotia Division say the Province’s plan to re-open schools is missing important details to ensure that students, and staff, can return to school safely. “CUPE education support workers make safe and inclusive learning in Nova Scotia schools possible,” says CUPE NS President Nan McFadgen. “Today’s announcement leaves our members with many questions. What we didn’t see today was the additional resources that will be needed due to COVID.” During his announcement today, the Minister stated that the funding needed for the re-entry plan is covered by the budget already set aside for inclusive education. CUPE believes that statement is misleading and hopes the Minister will amend the plan, so that the resources needed to meet both COVID related guidelines and inclusive education will be met. “When will Minister Churchill announce the funding and staffing increases that are needed to implement … Read more…