Chris Melanson, CUPE 5047 president

ECEs will continue to deliver quality play-based learning

CUPE School Board Sector replies to NSTU statement The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing early learning educators (ECE) in Nova Scotia, disagrees with the recent statement made by the Nova Scotia Teachers’ Union (NSTU) that teachers should be working in pre-primary classrooms. “CUPE has supported NSTU in the past and will continue to do so,” says Grant Dart, CUPE school board sector coordinator. “However, we strongly disagree with their position paper.” From CUPE’s perspective, the pre-primary program is best served by having only ECEs in those classrooms because: ECEs are trained exclusively in play-based learning (teachers are not). Early childhood educators are trained, skilled professionals. ECEs understand the value of play-based learning better than anyone. In Nova Scotia, ECEs have successfully delivered the program through the Halifax Regional School Board for approximately 13 years. ECEs are now delivering play-based learning through all Nova Scotia school boards, without issue … Read more…

Rally to Protest Long-Term Care Cuts – November 17 in Inverness

Please join us on Friday, November 17, as long-term care workers and members of CUPE Local 1485, are joined by friends and family to protest the McNeil government’s budget cuts to long-term care at Inverary Manor and other facilities across Nova Scotia. WHEN: Friday, November 17, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. WHERE: Starting at Legion in Inverness (15857 Central Avenue) and marching to Inverary Manor WHO: Speakers will include Nan McFadgen, CUPE Nova Scotia president; Louise Riley, CUPE Long-Term Care Committee chairperson; Lorie Aylward, CUPE 1485 president; and long-term care workers affected by the budget cuts. The McNeil Liberal government has cut millions of dollars to long-term care. This has resulted in layoffs and budget cuts at nursing homes across Nova Scotia. CUPE long-term care workers are speaking up to defend quality of care and to demand that the McNeil government reverse the cuts. Please share this information with your … Read more…

Steve Joy, CUPE 1867 president

Impasse declared in negotiations between province and highway workers

Conciliation talks between CUPE Local 1867, representing highway workers, and the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal broke off today after an impasse was declared by the conciliation officer appointed by the Department of Labour. The two groups have been in negotiations, including conciliation, since November 2014. “As per the Nova Scotia Highway Workers’ Collective Bargaining Act, the next step in the process is for an arbitration board to be appointed by the Minister at the request of one or both the parties, which will take place in the coming months,” says CUPE Local 1867 President Steve Joy. “CUPE will now explore its options regarding the right to a Charter challenge of the Liberal government’s Bill 148.” “Negotiations became completely overshadowed by the passing of Bill 148, the Public Services Sustainability Act, which once it was proclaimed took away the ability of the union to bargain significant portions … Read more…