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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…

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Registration open: Introduction to Stewarding workshops

Online Introduction to Stewarding workshops (non-certificate) Workshop schedule (choose one): Date SK Time (CST) NS Time (AST) Thursday, July 30 1 PM – 4 PM 4 PM – 7 PM Wednesday, August 5 9 AM – 12 PM 12 PM – 3 PM   Register online at https://cupe.ca/mrm-union-education/events?province_id=&province_id=77 Limit: The registration limit will be 25 participants for each session. Deadline: The deadline for registration is seven days prior to the event. The purpose of these online Introduction to Stewarding workshops is to bring new stewards to understand the basics of their work and role within their union. This three-hour workshop, via Zoom, will give new stewards an introduction to the following topics: The Duty of Fair Representation, under which stewards and the unions operate What are the roles of stewards in general? The six W’s/getting the facts Basic grievance writing Because this is a shortened version of the Introduction to Stewarding workshop offered by CUPE Education Branch, … Read more…