Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 5047 is pleased to announce that members voted 96% in favour of ratifying a collective agreement in meetings that took place February 10 and 11, 2018. CUPE 5047 represents school board support staff at the Halifax Regional School Board. “It’s our understanding that the school board will hold their ratification meeting at the end of the month, however, we don’t anticipate any delays in finalizing the agreement,” says CUPE National Representative Karen MacKenzie. The agreement addresses issues of importance to CUPE members including changes to the job postings process, lay off protection, seniority with school closures, and protection for library workers/volunteers. “The members understood what our bargaining committee faced at the bargaining table in the shadow of Bill 148, says MacKenzie. “However, our members remain committed to delivering quality public services and we will continue to work to protect collective bargaining rights.” “I … Read more…

Support staff represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees, CUPE Local 5047, is pleased to announce that the union has reached a tentative agreement with their employer, the Halifax Regional School Board, on Thursday, February 1, 2018. No further details will be released until the agreement is presented to the members of CUPE 5047. CUPE National Representative Karen MacKenzie confirmed that the deal was reached after three days of conciliation this week, with the assistance of a conciliation officer supplied by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education. “I am proud of the work and dedication of our bargaining team and union representatives,” says CUPE 5047 President Chris Melanson. “We’re happy that the union and the employer have been able to reach an agreement,” says Melanson. “We will now present the agreement to our membership for their approval.” The union’s collective agreement expired on July 31, 2014. … Read more…