Illustration: vaccine development. Female and male wearing lab coats conducting lab testing

COVID-19 vaccine: protection for frontline workers

The recent Health Canada approval of a COVID-19 vaccine is an important development for Nova Scotians overall health and to protect the health and safety of our members. CUPE Nova Scotia supports Public Health and the vaccine rollout plan to prioritize vaccinations for the most vulnerable populations and those that provide care for them. CUPE NS encourages all of our members to avail themselves of the vaccine(s) when it is made available to them, as COVID-19 will remain a significant health and safety threat in our lives and in our workplaces for the foreseeable future. To download a printable copy of this infographic, please click here. While this vaccine was developed using an expedited process compared to others, its success is due to the diligent work of countless researchers and health professionals. CUPE NS supports Health Canada’s assessment and approval process for vaccines. To learn more information about how vaccines are developed and approved for use in … Read more…

Logo: CUPE 4963. Two stick figure people, over a multi-colour heart that looks like a jigsaw puzzle

CUPE 4963 reaches tentative agreement at Queens Association for Supported Living

Talks resumed early this morning between CUPE Local 4963 and their employer, Queens Association for Supported Living (QASL) and, shortly after the union went on strike, a tentative agreement was reached. CUPE 4963 members, who work as residential counsellors and vocational instructors, will return to a regular schedule of work by tomorrow. CUPE National Representative Chris Sutton confirmed that the deal was reached with the assistance of a conciliation officer supplied by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education. Further details of the agreement will not be available until after ratification by both parties. CUPE 4963 President Amanda Roberts thanked the bargaining team and the membership for all their efforts. “I would like to thank our bargaining team and union representatives for their commitment and hard work,” says Roberts. “I’m so proud of our entire membership for their support and solidarity throughout this long and stressful process, and … Read more…

Logos: CUPE and NSGEU

Dozens of hospital employees across Nova Scotia lose jobs to American-owned company just before the holidays

As a special thank you to our health care heroes for the holidays, Nova Scotia Health (NSH) has announced their plan to contract out the work done by 91 hospital employees from the NSH to a private, American-owned company. The NSGEU informed the provincial government of the NSH’s plan to contract out this work, but government has allowed it to proceed. Read the joint-report from CUPE and NSGEU: A Matter of Trust. “This is a slap in the face to these health care workers who have been helping to keep our health care system secure and operational throughout this pandemic,” said NSGEU President Jason MacLean. “The work our members do is incredibly valuable, and it is not in Nova Scotians’ best interest to allow a private company to take over our citizens’ health records management,” said CUPE Nova Scotia President Nan McFadgen. To make matters worse, NSH is not putting the contract out for tender. They are avoiding tendering … Read more…