Community Services workers launch online petition

Community services workers in Nova Scotia who work with disabled persons are hoping an online petition will help the public understand why this round of contract bargaining is so important. Talks have broken down between the government and the workers’ bargaining agent, the Canadian Union of Public Employees. The employees work at 21 different work sites across the province. “This is a sector that’s already struggling to recruit and retain staff, and now government wants to lower wages for new employees,” says CUPE National Representative Kim Cail. “The work these people do is critical and challenging, and they deserve fair compensation and decent pensions.” Christa Sweeney, chair of the Long-Term Care/Community Services Coordinating Committee, says the commitment the province has made to closing institutions and rehoming disabled adults and children in the community will require a major staffing adjustment. “This is wonderful and empowering for those who want to be … Read more…

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

On December 6th, CUPE Nova Scotia observes the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women by reflecting on the horrific events that occurred 34 years ago at École Polytechnique in Montréal, where 14 young women were senselessly murdered in an act of violent misogyny. We encourage our members to honour the memory of the lives lost in this tragedy by striving to end gender based violence in the workplace, at home and in society at large. Please attend local remembrance ceremonies and vigils. Reach out to local transition houses and labour councils, or check social media for a vigil near you. To learn more, visit our website at cupe.ca/event/national-day-remembrance-and-action-end-violence-against-women.

DCS employees at Pugwash’s Sunset Community vote for job action

Counsellors and support staff who work with disabled adults at Sunset Community in Pugwash have voted for possible job action. The approximately 151 employees work at Sunset’s adult residential centre or in group homes and are represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 972. CUPE Representative Kim Cail says the bargaining unit has settled their local issues and took the strike vote in support of lead table bargaining, where agreement has yet to be reached on wages, pensions, benefits and contract language. “We are still very far apart on what constitutes a fair compensation package, and we have yet to discuss some important contract language such as protection from violence on the job,” says Cail. “It has been a very frustrating experience for community services employees right across the province, who are about to enter their third year without a wage increase.” CUPE Local 972 president Jeannette … Read more…