ECEs and supporters protesting for better wages at the NS Legislature

Houston government shows contempt for early childhood educators, continues to pay poverty wages 

After waiting years for decent wages from the Nova Scotia provincial government, early childhood educators (ECEs) represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) were disappointed by the wage grid announced yesterday. The Houston government’s true colours were shown today, with contempt for workers in the early learning and child care sector, who are virtually all women,” says Nan McFadgen, president of CUPE Nova Scotia. “Both governments should reconsider this ill-conceived wage grid. They are sending a message that ECEs only deserve to scrape by and are not deserving of decent wages. The top hourly wage offered by the government is where wages should start off,” says Margot Nickerson, president of CUPE 4745. “Minister Druhan and Minister Gould are out of touch and don’t know what it means to be the ‘working poor’.” “Imagine! Early childhood educators have been paid so poorly that the new wage grid isn’t even … Read more…

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A solidarity message from Mark Hancock and Candace Rennick during Hurricane Fiona recovery

A solidarity message to CUPE members across Atlantic Canada and the Maritimes from CUPE National President Mark Hancock and CUPE National Secretary-treasurer Candace Rennick. Une message en français suivra.  Sisters, Brothers, and Friends: As the recovery from the destruction of storm Fiona begins, we are only starting to comprehend the full extent of the damages. We have seen the devastating images of homes being swept away out to sea, roofs and other debris being stripped off homes and buildings, countless powerlines damaged, and the loss of hundreds of trees that have been staples in so many communities for decades. Our hearts are with all of you in the Atlantic and Maritimes provinces and Quebec’s Îles-de-la-Madeleine. While workers from affected communities are removing debris and restoring transportation links and power lines, we want to express our support to all of you. We know that a lot of CUPE members are working … Read more…

CBRM inside workers overwhelmingly reject tentative agreement

Inside workers with Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM), represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 933, voted on September 15 to reject the tentative agreement offered by the employer. “Our members decided that improved working conditions for jailers and emergency centre workers is more important than the modest gains they would have achieved in the agreement,” said Daniel Colbourne, CUPE 933 president. “Jailers and 911 staff have been working short, under terrible conditions, for too long.” CUPE National Representative Tammy Martin said the employer’s offer included a 3 percent wage increase for jailers “but the members clearly said they want better for these employees.” Jailers at the Sydney lockup and 911 workers are asking for an adjustment to bring them up to par with their counterparts elsewhere in the province. The wage disparity has resulted in ongoing recruitment and retention issues at both facilities. “The members decided … Read more…