Employees at the Community Justice Society in Halifax took a strike vote today that was 100 percent in favour of job action. The eight restorative justice workers are represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 4764. They have been without a contract since March 31, 2021. CUPE National Representative Mark Cunningham says the employer’s wage offer is an insult to these workers, “who do not have an easy job.” “They work with all of the people harmed by a crime, including the victim, the offender and the community,” says Cunningham, “It’s a difficult population to manage.” In addition, he says, the work has become more complex as the employees now work with adult offenders as well as youth, yet wages have not increased to reflect the new responsibilities. “The services these workers provide have historically been undervalued,” says Cunningham. “They perform work that is similar to probation officers, … Read more…

CUPE Nova Scotia marks Remembrance Day by honouring those who served, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could have the freedoms that we enjoy today.   Lest We Forget

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…