The union representing approximately 200 childcare workers across Nova Scotia is applauding the provincial government’s announcement of an improved wage scale, a pension, and benefits for early childcare educators, calling it an essential – if long overdue – step to improving the childcare system for Nova Scotia families and communities. “Childcare workers in Nova Scotia give everything they have to the kids in their care, but for so long, this government hasn’t held up their end of the deal,” says Nan McFadgen, President of CUPE Nova Scotia. “Today, thanks to the tireless advocacy of childcare workers, we’re finally seeing some improvements that will help childcare workers live with dignity, and hopefully brings the stability and workforce retention the sector desperately needs.” “For years, early childhood educators across our province have been standing up for the fair treatment they deserve,” said Margot Nickerson, President of CUPE 4745 which represents childcare workers. … Read more…

Employees who work for Resi-Care in CBRM are united in their fight for fair wages and benefits after voting 100 percent in favour of possible strike action on Dec. 20. The approximately 114 employees are Residential Rehabilitation Workers who care for people with intellectual disabilities living in small options and group homes. They are represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 3008. Bargaining broke down on December 15, says CUPE National Representative Tammy Martin, and the union has filed for conciliation. “Local issues still on the table include improvements to sick and berievement leave and for casual workers,” says Martin. In addition, the employees are asking to be paid appropriately for the time they spend taking residents to appointments in Halifax. “They may be gone for 36 hours and only be paid for 12,” she says. “That’s outrageous. Where else would an employer demand that kind of unpaid … Read more…

Employees at Breton Ability Centre could be out on the picket lines in the new year if they can’t come to an agreement on local issues. The employees held a strike vote last week and the vote was 98.5 percent in favour of possible job action. There are 338 employees at the residential centre, who care for adults with disabilities. They are represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 3513, and funded by the Department of Community Services. Kathy MacLeod, representative for CUPE, says the bargaining committee met with the employer in early December but were unable to come to agreement on several outstanding issues. “We have been promised conciliation dates, but in the meantime, the workers are frustrated with the lack of respect shown to them by both the employer and government,” says MacLeod. “Wages in this sector are well below what people are earning elsewhere for … Read more…