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…

Members voting at the CUPE NS convention

2018 CUPE Nova Scotia Pre-Convention Call

Hello Sisters and Brothers, Please find the Pre-Convention Call and registration materials (attached) for the 55th Annual Convention of CUPE Nova Scotia, which will be held May 27 to May 30, 2018, at the Delta Halifax & Casino Nova Scotia. Hotel reservations and special arrangements are the sole responsibility of the delegates and/or their sponsoring Local. Rooms have been blocked off for a limited time at the hotel at a special rate for delegates, contact the hotel at: Delta Halifax Scotia Square 1990 Barrington Street Halifax, NS, B3J 1P2 (902) 425-6704 Your presence and participation will help make the Convention a productive and enjoyable experience for everyone and on behalf of the CUPE Nova Scotia Executive Board, I look forward to seeing you there! Yours in solidarity, Dave Dort Recording Secretary CUPE Nova Scotia 902-237-0125 edavedort@hotmail.com Download the complete 2018 Pre-Convention Call Apply for the Mike McNeil Atlantic Weeklong School … Read more…

CUPE members at Valley View Villa concerned with lack of oversight by provincial government

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing workers at Valley View Villa in Stellarton, is concerned that the Nova Scotia Department of Health was unaware of the problems that existed at the facility. The union is calling on the Minister of Health to explain what action the provincial government will take to protect other workplaces from this type of upheaval and risk to patient care. Last month, the current administration at Valley View Villa contacted CUPE representatives, asking to discuss financial issues at the long term care home. The union was informed that the previous administration had staffed to a level that is not completely funded by the provincial government and this has created a‎ deficit that continued to grow over time. The employer announced that restructuring was necessary to get down to appropriate staffing levels that fall within the funding mandate. CUPE representatives have since met with the … Read more…