National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30th is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day honours the survivors of the residential school system, the children who never returned home as well as their families and communities. This day of commemoration is a vital part of the reconciliation process on Turtle Island (Canada) as it deepens our collective awareness of colonialism and ensures ongoing reflection across Turtle Island for years to come. The CUPE Atlantic Maritime Indigenous Council (CAMIC) encourages all CUPE members to tie an orange ribbon or wear an orange shirt as a sign of respect to these Indigenous children and their families, and to support healing in Indigenous communities. For inquiries, please email: cupe.atl.mar.indigenous.council@gmail.com. In Solidarity, CAMIC members Brandice Blanchard, Vice-Chair for the CUPE Atlantic Maritime Indigenous Council

Bargaining for Community Services employees at an impasse

Counsellors and support staff at adult residential centres and group homes are gearing up for a strike vote after two days of unproductive conciliation meetings. The employees work at residential homes and facilities across the province, from Sydney to Yarmouth, and are represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees. “The employer presented us with a final offer Tuesday morning and refused to look at our counterproposals,” says CUPE National Representative Kim Cail. “In fact, we have had no meaningful negotiations at all, with the employer electing to go straight to conciliation after a half day meeting in May.” The government is offering counsellors a wage adjustment equal to what was given to Continuing Care Assistants in the province, however, counsellors have more responsibilities than CCAs and have historically been paid more, says Cail. “Counsellors administer medications and treatments and are frequently exposed to extreme violence and high behaviours,” says … Read more…

CBU admin and support staff achieve a new collective agreement

Administrative and support staff at Cape Breton University (CBU) voted to accept the employer’s offer on Friday, Sept. 15, ending the possibility of job action. The employees are members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3131. The three-year agreement includes wage increases of 4.15 percent in the first year, and 2.25 and 2 percent in years two and three. Additionally, all employees will be upgraded to a new pay band, which means wages will rise by about 8 percent in the first year. “This could not have been achieved without very diligent work on behalf of the bargaining committee, and knowing that we had the support of the members” said CUPE Local 3131 President Allana Serroul. “The bargaining team was pleased to be able to achieve a fair wage increase for the members, many of whom have been struggling to pay their bills.” The new collective agreement … Read more…