Union applies for conciliation in bargaining with Cape Breton University

The union representing support staff at Cape Breton University in Sydney has applied to the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education for conciliation in contract negotiations that broke off on January 18, 2018. Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) National Representative Kathy MacLeod says the union hopes to meet with the conciliator as soon as possible. Outstanding issues include contracting out, job layoffs and wages. The union’s collective agreement expired March 31, 2016. At this point, no further talks are scheduled. “We are not where we hoped to be,” says CUPE 3131 President Darren MacKinnon. “We’ve had eight face-to-face bargaining sessions and we feel that we have reached an impasse. We hope that the assistance of a conciliator will help to reach an agreement.” CUPE Local 3131 represents approximately 65 members who work as administrative and support staff at Cape Breton University.

Mike McNeil Atlantic Weeklong School Scholarship

The Mike McNeil Atlantic Weeklong School Scholarship is awarded by CUPE Nova Scotia. The scholarship will cover the cost of the registration fee for a single room for the purpose of attending the CUPE Atlantic Weeklong School. Individuals planning enrollment in the 2018 Atlantic Weeklong School may make application for this scholarship. Download a copy of the application form Eligibility: Union members in good standing with a local union affiliated to CUPE Nova Scotia. Preference will be given to a local who has not previously received a scholarship for the weeklong school. Decisions: The decisions of the CUPE Nova Scotia Awards Committee will be final. CUPE Nova Scotia assumes no responsibility for applications or supporting documents lost, misdirected, or otherwise not received by the deadline. It is the applicant’s sole responsibility to ensure that the application is made correctly, legibly and in a timely manner. Late submissions will not be considered. … Read more…

Read the leaflet: Our seniors deserve better

It recently came to light that the Valley View Villa nursing home has a $1.5 million budget shortfall and, in addition to budget cuts made by the Liberal government to long-term care, we are concerned this will impact the quality of care that the 113 residents at Valley View Villa receive. In order to bring the nursing home’s finances under control, management are making cuts and changes that include reducing the resident-to-staff ratio, scheduling less staff on weekends, not replacing staff who require time off, and laying off staff who provide vital services – such as continuing care assistants (CCAs), kitchen staff, maintenance and environmental services. Workers are concerned these changes will put an additional burden on staff and directly affect quality of care, such as the types of meals provided and limited cleaning – a significant change, especially during flu season! The Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness … Read more…