Cape Breton University

Overwhelming strike mandate for Cape Breton University workers

Support staff at Cape Breton University, members of Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3131, voted 96 per cent in favour of a strike mandate on January 29, 2018. Eight face-to-face bargaining sessions took place and, after talks broke down last week, the union applied to the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education for conciliation in contract negotiations. The two sides will meet with a conciliator on February 13, 2018. “When we explained our frustrations in this round of bargaining and the issues that remain on the table, the members were understandably disappointed,” says CUPE 3131 President Darren MacKinnon. “We’re looking for equality – the same things that the other CBU unions currently have in their contracts.” Outstanding issues include contracting out, job layoffs and wages. “The last thing we want is a disruption of services to students and teaching staff. However, we are prepared to back … Read more…

Member Update School Board Sector – January 24, 2018

Liberal Government’s Announcement to Move to One English School Board As I am sure all of you are aware, yesterday was the release of the Dr. Avis Glaze Report to government on the structure of the Education Sector here in Nova Scotia.  All of us were very dismayed to see her recommendation to move to 2 School Boards in this Province, one English Board and one French Board. Today we were even more disappointed by the Liberal Government’s announcement that they were accepting those recommendations and implementing the transition to one English Board immediately.  While the Liberal Government has made this announcement, they were incredibly lacking in the details, (other than they would be introducing legislation) as to how they may achieve this amalgamation and the impact it would have on you as CUPE members. CUPE has put out a press release province-wide this afternoon criticizing the Liberal Government, not … Read more…

group of school kids and teacher in classroom

Liberal government throws education sector into chaos

Today’s announcement by Minister Churchill to consolidate Nova Scotia’s seven English school boards into one, while heavy on policy change, includes no details on how the government plans to implement those changes. Nan McFadgen, President of CUPE Nova Scotia, says, “With the lack of details regarding the path to achieving this plan, the minister has created apprehension, scepticism and disarray in an education system that the Liberals allege is already dysfunctional. “CUPE looks back to 2014 and the acute care sector amalgamation established by the Health Authorities Act and the ensuing disarray and unrest created by that merger.” McFadgen continues, “With the announcement today of yet more legislative changes to create two school boards in the province, CUPE feels the same turmoil will be the ultimate outcome for the school board sector in this province. “The minister has said there will be cost savings for the province; however, he was … Read more…