Bargaining Update – Long Term Care

A bargaining update for CUPE members in the long term care sector. Download a copy of this bargaining update The bargaining process There are two levels of bargaining taking place simultaneously, “provincial” and “local”. CUPE represents more than 3,500 members working in 50 long-term care homes across Nova Scotia. The CUPE NS Long Term Care and Community Services Coordinating Committee works to represent affiliated locals in aspects related to legislation, collective bargaining, and other provincial matters related to the sectors. Your CUPE provincial bargaining team consists of the chairperson of the committee, and four regional representatives (one from each area of the province) along with the support of the CUPE long term care coordinator. The employer’s provincial bargaining team consists of representatives from the lead home, five employer representatives from homes across the province, and the assistance of representatives from the Health Association Nova Scotia. There have been three days … Read more…

Blue and white logo of the NS Federation of Labour

Unions call on the Houston government to rebuild trust and labour relations by repealing Bill 148

The following joint union statement was issued today by the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour. On behalf of their joint membership of more than 70,000 public sector workers, unions and the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour (NSFL) are deeply disappointed by the Minister of Labour Relations Allan MacMaster’s refusal to repeal Bill 148. In comments made to reporters during Cabinet on Thursday, the minister stated his government would not repeal the public service wage suppression legislation, known as Bill 148, which was introduced and enacted by the Liberal government. Furthermore, MacMaster referred to the legislation as “redundant”. “Bill 148 will never be ‘redundant’. The existence of the bill casts a dark shadow over every bargaining table,” says Nova Scotia Federation of Labour (NSFL) President Danny Cavanagh. “We are sure that the thousands of workers who had their wages suppressed and lost a hard-fought retirement benefit because of this legislation would … Read more…

Logos of three unions: Unifor, NSGEU, and CUPE

Unions file for conciliation after talks with NS Health and IWK break down

Talks between the Health Support Bargaining Unit and Nova Scotia Health and the IWK have reached an impasse, with unions filing for conciliation in hopes of securing a new collective agreement for more than 3,000 health care workers across the province. “We are most focused on supporting these members’ concerns about their working conditions and helping them during dramatically rising inflation,” said Linda MacNeil, Unifor Atlantic regional director. “Support unit workers don’t get the attention the more visible members of the health care teams do, but they are just as integral to the operation of our health care services and need to be respected for the essential work they do.” The Health Support Bargaining Unit is comprised of members represented by Unifor, CUPE and NSGEU. They work in classifications such as maintenance, power engineering, plumbing, electrical, laundry, food services, and environmental services. “The members of this bargaining unit kept patients … Read more…