Employees at the Akoma Family Centre in Dartmouth have voted 94.4 % in favour of job action. The approximately 20 youth care workers and support staff look after younger children with behavioural or developmental challenges. They are represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 3306. CUPE National Representative Karen MacKenzie says members took the strike vote over stalled bargaining at the community services lead table. “There is nothing outstanding at the local table,” she says. “While not all proposals at the lead table affect these folks, a major issue for them is pensions. They may be a small local, but they are not afraid to stand up for their rights.” MacKenzie says the collective agreement expired on March 31, 2021, and the employees have not seen a wage increase since that time. Acting President for the local, Areta Boone, says the employees are ready to take job action … Read more…

Employees at the Amherst and District Residential Services Society are preparing to walk off the job if government doesn’t come back to the table with a fair wage offer. The employees, members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 5204, voted 93 % in favour of job action. Kim Cail, National Representative for CUPE, says the large turnout for yesterday’s strike vote was indicative of how community services workers across the province are feeling about the stalled negotiations at the lead table. “Many community services workers haven’t had a wage increase in more than three years,” says Cail. “They can’t make rent, they can’t pay their bills. It’s time for government to come back to the table with a wage offer that respects the critical services these employees provide.” Local 5204 President Lacey Robinson says all local issues were resolved last year, and members are tired of waiting for … Read more…

Employees at the Annapolis County Municipal Housing Corporation have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike if issues are not resolved at lead table bargaining. The  employees are represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 2859. CUPE National Representative Carl Crouse says the main issue for the employees is achieving a fair wage increase across the sector. “All local issues were resolved at the bargaining table with the employer in October,” he says. “Wages, which are bargained at the lead table, are still outstanding, along with a number of other proposals.” The employees voted 98.6 % in favour of strike action. They are the second community services local to hold a positive strike vote. Local 2859 President Christa Sweeney says the employees are stuck between a rock and a hard place. “We can’t afford to go on strike, but we can’t afford to live without a living wage either,” … Read more…