CUPE calls on Nova Scotia and Ottawa to conduct comprehensive, public inquiry into mass murder

Members of the CUPE Nova Scotia Transition House Sector Committee (NSTHSC) are adding their voices to the call for the provincial and federal government to conduct a comprehensive, transparent public inquiry into the mass shooting murders that occurred in April. “Alongside many colleagues and allies in the domestic violence field, we see the need for a full inquiry into this tragedy. The intersection of issues appears to be complex and the provincial and federal governments must overturn each issue to gain full insight into how we may prevent such tragedies from ever happening again,” says Patricia Perry, NSTHSC chairperson and outreach counsellor. “It is not necessary to tell us what years of domestic violence research has already taught us. We need changes in laws that govern police responses to disclosures of domestic violence and intimate partner violence,” states Perry. “We need legislation that supports our judicial system in holding abusive … Read more…

Blue surgical mask. Isolated on a white background.

Letter to the editor: Treat essential workers during pandemic equally

The following letter to the editor by Jim Laverie was published in the Chronicle Herald on July 13, 2020. I work as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) for the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA). I have worked each and every shift during the pandemic. Many of us were happy to hear we would be recognized for hard work and putting our lives at risk when reading the provincial government’s May 7 press release. Here’s that commitment in that May release: “Frontline health-care providers are working flat out to keep Nova Scotians safe and healthy during this unprecedented time, sometimes putting their own lives at risk,” said Premier McNeil. “We are pleased to partner with the federal government on a program that recognizes the hard work and unique challenges frontline health-care workers face due to COVID-19.” When the crisis hit back in March, all NSHA workers who reported to work had … Read more…

CUPE shocked at Summer Street refusal to accept settlement negotiated with provincial government

Representatives of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 2330 say they are left with no choice, but to file for conciliation after learning on July 7 that Summer Street Industries, in New Glasgow, intends to ignore a settlement that was negotiated with the Nova Scotia provincial government. Summer Street, an organization that provides programs and services to adults with intellectual disabilities, receives all of its funding from the Province. Funding related issues for the new contract, for over 30 staff, was negotiated at the lead table during collective bargaining. CUPE National Representative Peter Baxter feels this is a careless decision by the board of directors. “Apparently, Summer Street directors feel they are not beholden to their funder, the Province, and are willing to risk a disruption to programs and services,” says Baxter. “They are defying a two-decades long protocol accepted between CUPE and government for the purpose of … Read more…