Cape Breton education workers devastated by layoff notices

Twenty-eight education workers received layoff notices this week from their employer, the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board (CBVRSB). The workers, who are members of CUPE Local 5050, include 23 teaching assistants, two secretaries, two supervisor cleaners and one cleaner. A bus driver and an inventory clerk position were also lost through attrition. CUPE and Local 5050 members are devastated by the board’s decision to lay off staff. “It is poor timing considering that the board members recently voted to increase their own wages. It’s a bitter pill to swallow when our members are losing jobs,” says Mary Jessome, CUPE Local 5050 president. “The wage increases add up to approximately $40,000. For that amount, they could have kept a number of staff,” says Jessome. “In February, the McNeil Government imposed a contract on teachers through Bill 75, which includes the creation of a committee to study inclusion in our classrooms. The … Read more…

2017 Provincial Election: What’s at stake for CUPE members?

Dear CUPE member, I believe Stephen McNeil ‘s Liberal government is not listening to Nova Scotians. Time and again, the choices made by the McNeil government have been out of touch with the needs of workers, their families and our communities. The McNeil government deserves to be defeated. Just look at their track record. A public health care system in crisis, budget cuts to nursing homes, threats to privatize home support services, tuition fee hikes, picking fights with unions, failing to create good jobs. . . the list goes on. On Tuesday, May 30 you have the opportunity to vote for progressive NDP candidates who will stand up for working people and their families. A number of the NDP candidates are CUPE members, prepared to fight for you in our legislature. Together we can do this. Every vote counts! Nan McFadgen President , CUPE Nova Scotia The McNeil government’s attack … Read more…

What provincial auditors have said about P3s – Fact Sheet

Over the years, provincial auditors across the country have questioned the financial rationale for using public-private partnerships (P3s) to build public infrastructure. Provincial auditors are independent officers of legislative assemblies who review government finances and decision-making to ensure public funds are spent in an efficient and accountable manner. A number of P3s have now been reviewed by provincial and federal auditors and the verdict is bad. Auditors have found that P3s cost more than traditional public projects, use questionable methodology, lack accountability and do not transfer risk to the private sector. Ontario In her 2014 Report, Ontario’s Auditor General reviewed 74 P3 projects and concluded that they cost the province $8 billion more than if they had been procured publicly. The majority of this— $6.5 billion—was due to higher private-sector financing costs. She also questioned the main justification for using P3s–the assertion that they transferred risk to the private sector. … Read more…